KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 — Road users will enjoy free toll on all private highways around the country starting April 19 till April 22 as well as April 24, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced this evening ahead of this year's Aidilfitri celebration that is expected to fall on Saturday.

The government will also give a special discount for traffic fines, a move that is likely aimed at nudging traffic offenders to pay up. However, the discount will only apply to traffic fines issued in 2022, Anwar said. Each fine will be reduced to just RM50.

"The government has agreed to roll out the Free Rahmah Toll (programme) that is a waiver from tolls for four days to be enjoyed by all road users who will be going back to their hometowns for Aidilfitri,” he said in a press conference on live television broadcast.

"The Rahmah Toll will begin April 19 2023 (Wednesday) until April 21 2023 (Friday) as well as April 24 2023 (Monday). The Rahmah Toll will involve 33 highways.”

Millions of Muslims are expected to make the yearly customary trip back to their hometowns to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the country's biggest cultural and religious festivity.

Highways are typically clogged with traffic congestions that can sometimes span hundreds of kilometers for several days during the celebrations.

Malaysia is one of the most motorised countries in the region, with an average of 1.4 cars per household according to 2020 data from the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).

Road fatalities typically shoot up during this period although the rate has declined a little over the years.

During the 2021 Aidilfitri celebration period, there were 1,432 road accidents resulting in 163 fatalities nationwide, a marked reduction from 2019 when there were 10,652 accidents and 223 fatalities during Aidilfitri.

Anwar suggested this year's Aidilfitri special discount for traffic fines is not meant to give leeway to offenders.

"The Malaysian police remain committed to ensure optimal road safety especially during these festive periods," the prime minister said.

"To make sure the traffic flow on the roads, the police will hold Op Lancar (Operation Flow) on April 18 and April 19 with focus on the major routes used for Hari Raya."