Governments' Toll Hike Postponement Spares Private Car Users From Steep Increases

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Governments’ Toll Hike Postponement Spares Private Car Users From Steep Increases

Private vehicle owners narrowly avoided a toll increase ranging from 79% to 83% across 10 major highways this year, following a government decision to delay the scheduled rate hike. Without the postponement, Class 1 vehicle users—comprising private car drivers—would have faced daily toll charges of between RM0.50 and RM4.56, potentially amounting to RM136 monthly or RM1,632 annually for individuals commuting 20 days a month.

According to The Star, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi confirmed the projected figures during Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday, 29 July. He noted that the deferral was intended to provide immediate financial relief, particularly for those who rely on tolled routes for daily travel. The decision to suspend the increase is seen as part of broader government efforts to manage cost-of-living pressures affecting the rakyat.

The 10 highways affected by the postponed toll adjustments include the Cheras-Kajang Expressway (Grandsaga), Kuala Lumpur-Kuala Selangor Expressway (Latar), New North Klang Straits Bypass (NNKSB), Senai-Desaru Expressway (SDE), East Coast Expressway Phase 2 (LPT2), South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE), Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge (JSAHMS), Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE), Maju Expressway (MEX), and the Butterworth Outer Ring Road (LLB).

The toll freeze applies to all vehicle classes—from Class 1 to Class 5—across these highways, with one exception. On the Butterworth Outer Ring Road (LLB), the postponement only covers Class 5 vehicles, as toll rates for Classes 1 to 4 have already reached their maximum levels under the terms of the concession agreement.

Under Malaysia’s vehicle classification system, Class 1 covers private cars, Class 2 includes vans and light commercial vehicles, Class 3 applies to heavy goods vehicles with three or more axles, Class 4 represents taxis, and Class 5 refers to buses.

It is estimated that approximately 941,000 motorists stand to benefit from the toll freeze, which comes at a financial cost to the government. The annual compensation required to maintain current toll rates is projected at RM568.92 million. However, the final amount will be subject to adjustments based on actual traffic volumes, pending verification through operational audits conducted jointly by the government and highway concessionaires.

The toll hike postponement follows Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement on 23 July, confirming that toll rate increases scheduled for 2025 would be deferred for the 10 highways involved. The move was aimed at cushioning the financial impact on road users in light of current economic conditions.

Datuk Seri Sh Mohmed Puzi Sh Ali (BN–Pekan) had earlier raised the issue in Parliament, seeking clarification on the implications of delaying toll adjustments. In response, the Works Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to easing the burden on citizens, while acknowledging the financial trade-offs required to maintain the status quo on toll pricing.