Toll discounts for motorists during Deepavali, Awal Muharram

The public are advised to follow the travel advisory issued for Deepavali and Awal Muharram next week. — Reuters pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 — Motorists will enjoy discounts on 24 highways in conjunction with the Deepavali celebration this coming Tuesday, while five highways will slash toll rates for Awal Muharram on Thursday.

The Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA) said all highways had agreed to offer this incentive to support the government in encouraging social corporate responsibility (CSR) programmes among concessionaires.  

The North-South Expressway (PLUS), North-South Expressway Central Link (Elite), Seremban-Port Dickson Highway (SPDH), Kulim-Butterworth Highway (KLBK) and Malaysia-Singapore Second Link Expressway (Linkedua) would offer rebates of 20 per cent on Deepavali and 10 per cent rebate on Wednesday and Thursday, according to a statement issued by MHA, here, today.

Meanwhile, the Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (AKLEH), Shah Alam-Kuang Highway (Guthrie), Kemuning-Shah Alam Highway (LKSA) and SMART Highway will give 20 per cent off on all toll rates for cash and Electronic Transfer Card (ETC) from 6am on Tuesday until 6am on Wednesday.

The New North Klang Straits Bypass (NNKSB) will give a 10 per cent discount from 11am on Monday until 8am on Tuesday, while the Cheras-Kajang Highway (Grandsaga), KL-Putrajaya Highway (KLP), Senai Desaru Expressway (SDE), New Pantai Expressway (NPE), Sungai Besi Expressway (Besraya) Kajang-Seremban Highway (LEKAS), Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE), Shah Alam Highway (KESAS), KL-Karak Highway (KLK), East Coast Highway Phase 1 (LPT 1) and the KL-Kuala Selangor Highway (LATAR) offer motorists 10 per cent off on Tuesday (12am to 11.59pm).

The Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP) will charge a 60 sen toll fare, Western 20 sen on Deepavali for motorists plying the KL Traffic Dispersal System (SPRINT) and 20 per cent discount on the South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE).

The MHA estimates four million vehicles to enter the highways during the festive season.

Meanwhile, PLUS, in a statement, advised the public to follow the travel advisory issued for Deepavali and Awal Muharram next week as it has been proven to facilitate a more comfortable journey during long holidays and festive seasons.

It said traffic congestion was reduced and motorists should also heed the advisory when returning to the Klang Valley.

The following is a proposed travel advisory from the Klang Valley to the north starting tomorrow until Monday, and from Friday until Nov 18:

    •    Perlis, Kedah and Penang (through Juru) before noon,
    •    Taiping, Kuala Kangsar and Changkat Jering between noon and 3pm,
    •    Ipoh, Simpang Pulai and Gopeng between 3pm and 6pm, and
    •    Tapah, Bidor, Sungkai, Slim River and Tanjung Malim after 6pm.

For destinations in the south, the following is proposed for Johor:

    •    Johor (through Skudai, Senai North, Ayer Hitam, Yong Peng and Tangkak) before noon,
    •    Melaka through Ayer Keroh between noon and 3pm,
    •    Tampin and Alor Gajah through Simpang Ampat between 3pm and 6pm, and
    •    Senawang, Port Dickson and Seremban after 6pm.

This year, PLUS retains the travel schedule by dividing vehicles according to odd and even numbered licence plates when using bridges at the Johor Causeway, Linkedua and Penang Bridge.

“Odd numbered plates are advised to use the bridges during odd hours such as 9am, 1pm and 7pm. Even numbered plates can travel during even hours such as 10am, 2pm and 8pm throughout the festive season,” it said. — Bernama