Kuala Lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government is developing a more targeted strategy for granting toll exemptions during festive seasons. Anwar, who also serves as the Minister of Finance, emphasized that similar to previous adjustments in subsidies, toll exemptions should be limited to the B40 and M40 income groups rather than being extended to the entire population.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar highlighted concerns over the current blanket approach to toll exemptions, which benefits all vehicle owners, including those with luxury cars like Rolls Royce, Mercedes, and Maserati. He suggested that a more selective process is necessary to ensure that lower-income groups receive priority. Anwar noted that the refinement of this approach is underway, with Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi having already laid out the fundamental principles. The government aims to avoid indiscriminate subsidies, such as those currently applied to electricity and fuel.

Anwar shared these insights during a press conference held after his working visit to the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 Annual Meeting. He also referenced a statement by Minister Nanta from last Tuesday, indicating that 2024 would be the last year for universal toll exemptions during festive seasons. The previous year's Cabinet meeting had resolved to pursue a more targeted method, with details to be disclosed soon.