Deepavali Celebrations: Highways toll-free for two days

In celebration of Deepavali, all vehicle classes across all highways will experience toll-free travel on Saturday and Sunday (Nov 11 and 12).

The Cabinet’s decision, as announced by the Public Works Department (JKR), involves toll exemptions for all plazas, excluding those at the national border.

The move aims to alleviate traffic congestion during the festive period and enhance logistics management. JKR advises compliance with travel time recommendations and road regulations for a safe journey.

Toll-free travel for Deepavali

The Public Works Department (JKR) disclosed that the cabinet has sanctioned toll-free travel for all vehicle classes on November 11 and 12, coinciding with Deepavali celebrations.

Toll exemptions apply to all toll plazas nationwide, with the exception of border plazas, namely the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) and Tanjung Kupang plazas in Johor.

The selection of these dates aligns with the aim to ease congestion for the return journey to hometowns and the subsequent return to the city. JKR highlights the importance of managing logistics effectively, incorporating traffic control measures, and addressing other needs at lay-bys and R&R stops along highways.

It is anticipated that during peak travel hours, the cumulative number of vehicles on all highways could reach as high as 11.8 million over a two-hour period, according to the statement.

Travel advisory for highway users

Despite toll charges being lifted, highway users are required to ‘touch’ or ‘wave’ their Touch n Go card, SmartTAG, or RFID for travel records. This requirement applies to toll plazas operated by PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS).

PLUS Managing Director Datuk Nik Airina Nik Jaffar clarified that although physical contact is necessary, toll charges will not be incurred during the two-day toll-free period.

Highway users within the PLUS-operated highway system, covering 92 toll plazas, and on the Lebuhraya Pantai Timur 2 (LPT2) at 10 toll plazas, will benefit from toll exemptions. However, toll-free travel does not extend to plazas at the national border, including the Sultan Iskandar Building Toll Plaza (Johor Causeway) and Tanjung Kupang Toll Plaza (Malaysia-Singapore – Linkedua/Tuas Second Link).

Nik Airina advised Touch n Go users to check their card status, plan journeys meticulously, ensure vehicle readiness, and take sufficient rest before embarking on their travels. This precautionary advice aims to prevent congestion at toll plazas, especially for users with inactive or deactivated Touch n Go cards.

The initiative, backed by the Cabinet, promotes a smoother journey for citizens celebrating the festival. JKR’s advisory to comply with travel time recommendations and road regulations emphasizes safety, urging responsible driving. As travellers plan their journeys, adherence to the Proposed Travel Time (TTA) schedule issued by PLUS is encouraged for a congestion-free Deepavali celebration.