As CNY nears, MIC leader urges govt to reconsider toll waiver cancellation

Summary

• MIC vice-president T Murugiah urges the government to reconsider its decision to abolish toll waivers during festivities.

• He reminds the government that the Chinese community will be travelling back to their hometowns for the Chinese New Year next week.

• Murugiah says the measure would foster unity among multiracial Malaysia.

MIC vice-president T Murugiah has urged the government to reconsider its move to abolish toll waivers during festivities.

He said this is necessary as the Chinese community would be using highways for the Chinese New Year celebration next week.

“Chinese New Year is a major celebration in Malaysia, and thousands of Chinese Malaysians will be travelling back to their hometowns to reunite with their families.

“These journeys often come with high costs, including toll payments, which are a significant financial burden for highway users.

“Waiving toll charges, even temporarily, can ease this burden and demonstrate the government’s commitment to the well-being of all Malaysians regardless of race,” he said in a statement today.

On Jan 21, Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi announced that the government has decided to end toll-free travel during festive seasons and will instead introduce a “more targeted approach”.

He said this was decided at a cabinet meeting last year.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed the cancellation of blanket toll waivers, adding that a targeted approach would ensure only the B40 and M40 groups benefit from it.

‘Do the bare minimum’

On that note, Murugiah reminded the government’s promise in the past, particularly Pakatan Harapan, of its pledge to abolish toll charges if it was given the mandate to govern.

While he acknowledges that the promise may take time to fulfil, Murugiah said the government could at least grant toll exemptions during major festive seasons.

“It is disappointing to see the lack of action even during such significant celebrations.

“As a responsible government that prioritises fairness, I believe this measure would also promote unity among Malaysia’s multiracial society.

“Similar to other festivals which received special considerations in the past, it is only fair for the government to extend the same level of support to the Chinese community during Chinese New Year,” he added.

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