KUCHING: The federal government is expected to spend RM93 million to cover the cost of the exemption of toll fees during the Hari Raya holiday period in the country.
Deputy Minister of Finance I Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the estimated amount was calculated by the National Budget Office (NBO).
“I have asked the NBO director how much cost is involved and the preliminary estimate is RM93 million.
“Therefore, the government will compensate the toll company for the cost incurred following the decision to provide the free toll,” he said.
He said this in a press conference after officiating at the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRBM) donation handing-over ceremony at the Malaysian Tax Academy here yesterday.
Ahmad also said the toll fee exemption is an effort by the government to lessen the burden of the people.
“Take it (toll-free) as a ‘Duit Raya’ for the people. This is the government’s initiative to help the people because during those four days (of Hari Raya), we understand many people will be travelling back to be with their families.
“Apart from that, we want to strengthen the relationship between all races in the country by encouraging people to visit their friends and families during Hari Raya,” he said.
Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said those travelling during the Hari Raya holiday period would be exempted from paying tolls from April 19 to 21, and April 24.
The free-toll during the Hari Raya holiday period involves 33 highways in the country.
