50% toll discount for Deepavali on 6 and 7 November

Motorists will get a 50% toll discount for two days to mark Deepavali. The government has set aside RM20.11 million to compensate the highway concessionaires.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi announced the details. The toll discount starts at midnight on Friday, 6 November. It ends at 11.59pm on Saturday, 7 November. Deepavali falls on Sunday, 8 November.

Who gets the toll discount

The offer covers Class 1 private vehicles at all toll plazas. In addition, Class 2 vehicles get the same cut at the Penang Bridge.

In a statement, Alexander said the move reflects the government’s commitment to people’s welfare and well-being. As a result, the discount should ease travel costs. He said Hindus returning to their hometowns or visiting family will benefit most.

Meanwhile, the compensation of RM20.11 million goes to the concessionaires taking part. That keeps the cut from falling on the companies that run the highways.

The coverage is specific. The statement names Class 1 private vehicles at every toll plaza. It names Class 2 vehicles only at the Penang Bridge. So Class 2 vehicles at other plazas are not mentioned as covered.

However, the timing matters. The discount ends on Saturday night, a day before Deepavali. As a result, anyone driving home or back on Sunday or later should expect to pay the normal toll.

Border plazas are excluded

However, the discount will not apply at two border toll plazas. The first is the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) plaza on the North-South Expressway. The second is the Tanjung Kupang plaza on the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link.

So drivers heading to Johor Bahru or crossing into Singapore will pay the usual rate at those plazas. For now, the cut applies only on the other highways.

This matters for Singapore-bound travellers. Many will take the North-South Expressway south and join the Johor crossings. In other words, the saving ends at the border plazas, not at the Causeway or Tuas.

Separately, the Causeway and Tuas crossings will be busy as well. We have already reported heavy traffic at Woodlands and Tuas from 6 to 9 November. Travellers should plan for long queues.

Drivers heading to Singapore should also note the VEP fee rise on 1 January 2027. It does not affect this week’s trips.

How to plan your journey

The Works Minister advised motorists to plan early to avoid congestion. In short, leave before the peak and expect heavy traffic near the cities. Allow extra time for rest stops, fuel and queues at busy plazas. Many families will travel on the same two days.

Check that your Touch ’n Go card or eWallet has enough balance. Observe the speed limits and keep a safe distance from other vehicles. Take enough rest to avoid driver fatigue. Drivers on long balik kampung runs should share the driving where they can.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) is the place to check traffic updates and highway incidents. Its official channels carry the latest reports.

For a festive stop on the way, see our list of Deepavali decorations at six malls. Overall, the offer lasts only two days, so plan ahead.

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