Christmas 2025: Govt Announces 50% Toll Discount for Class 1 Vehicles
The year-end holiday rush in Malaysia is often synonymous with long crawls on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) and mounting travel costs.
However, for Christmas 2025, the Madani Government has stepped in to offer significant relief.Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi recently announced a 50% toll discount for all Class 1 vehicles, aimed at easing the financial burden on millions of Malaysians heading home for the festivities and school holidays.
This initiative is a centerpiece of the government’s targeted subsidy approach for 2025, moving away from entirely toll-free days to a more sustainable 50% reduction model. Whether you are driving a Perodua Myvi to Penang or a Proton X70 to Johor Bahru, this discount is set to make your "Balik Kampung" journey significantly more affordable.
Key Details of the Christmas 2025 Toll Discount
To help you plan your journey effectively, here is the essential information regarding the toll reduction as confirmed by the Works Ministry (KKR).
Effective Dates and Timing
The 50% discount will be active for two days during the peak travel window:
December 23, 2025 (Tuesday): Starting from 12:01 AM.
December 24, 2025 (Wednesday): Ending at 11:59 PM.
By selecting these dates, the government aims to encourage traffic dispersal (penyuraian trafik) before the actual Christmas Day public holiday on December 25, helping to prevent a massive bottleneck on Christmas Eve.
Eligible Vehicles and Compensation
The discount is exclusive to Class 1 vehicles (private passenger cars with two axles and three or four wheels). For the Penang Bridge, the discount also applies to Class 2 vehicles.
To make this possible, the government has allocated an estimated RM20.65 million compensation to be paid to the various highway concessionaires involved. This ensures that while motorists save at the booth, the maintenance and operational integrity of the highways remain uncompromised.
Important Exclusions: Border Toll Plazas
While the 50% discount is available nationwide across most expressways, it is important to note that certain border entry points are excluded from this promotion. This is consistent with previous festive season policies to manage international traffic flow.
The discount does not apply at:
Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) Toll Plaza: Located on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) at the Johor-Singapore border.
Tanjung Kupang Toll Plaza: Located on the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link (Linkedua).
If you are traveling from Singapore, you will still pay the standard rates at these specific locations before enjoying the 50% reduction at subsequent toll plazas on your route.
Traffic Management: Surviving the 2.6 Million Vehicle Surge
The Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) projects that traffic volume will hit a staggering 2.6 million vehicles daily during the Christmas 2025 peak period. To manage this, several strategic measures have been implemented.
1. Smart Lane Activation
PLUS Malaysia will activate Smart Lanes at over 30 critical locations to alleviate congestion. These lanes allow motorists to temporarily use the emergency lane as an extra travel lane during peak hours. Look out for the green "Smart Lane" signs and follow the instructions of highway marshals.
2. No Lane Closures
To ensure maximum road capacity, the Works Ministry has directed all concessionaires to suspend all non-emergency maintenance works and lane closures from December 19 to December 28, 2025.
Tips for a Smooth Christmas Journey
Aside from the financial savings, a successful holiday trip requires preparation. Here is a checklist for the Christmas 2025 season:
Check Your Balance: Ensure your Touch 'n Go card or eWallet (for RFID users) has sufficient balance. A 50% discount still requires a successful transaction!
Vehicle Maintenance: Visit your local workshop to check your brakes, tires, and battery. The school holiday heat can be tough on older vehicles.
Rest at RSAs: Utilize the Rest and Service Areas (RSA) and lay-bys. During festive seasons, these areas often feature additional facilities, including temporary toilets and extra cleaning staff.
Stay Alert: With 2.6 million vehicles on the road, patience is key. Avoid tailgating and take breaks if you feel drowsy.
Expert FAQ: Christmas 2025 Toll Discounts
1. Is the toll discount automatic or do I need to apply for it?
The 50% discount is applied automatically at the toll plaza. You do not need to register. Simply use your RFID, Smart Tag, or Touch 'n Go card as usual.
2. Does the discount apply to motorcycles or lorries?
No. The Christmas 2025 toll discount is specifically for Class 1 private vehicles. Commercial vehicles and motorcycles are charged at their existing rates (though many highways are already toll-free for motorcycles).
3. What happens if I exit the highway after December 24?
To enjoy the discount, you must exit the highway through the toll plaza within the stipulated window (before 11:59 PM on December 24). If you exit after this time, the standard rate will apply.
4. Why is the government offering a 50% discount instead of free tolls?
This is part of the Madani Government’smove toward sustainable financial management. By offering a 50% discount, the government can still provide significant relief to the public while reducing the total compensation paid to concessionaires compared to "toll-free" days.
Upgrade Your Ride for 2026 with Motorist Malaysia
Thinking of upgrading your car after the long holiday drive? If your current vehicle is starting to show its age during these festive trips, it might be time for a change.
Motorist Malaysia is your ultimate partner in car selling. We offer a 100% hassle-free AutoConcierge service designed to get you the best price for your vehicle with zero stress.
Free Valuation in 24 Hours: Get an accurate, fair market price for your car within a day.
2,100+ Certified Partners: We tap into a massive network of dealers to ensure you get competitive bids.
Zero Paperwork: Forget the headaches of JPJ and Puspakom. Our team handles all the documentation and ownership transfers for you.
Fast & Secure: From inspection to payment, we ensure a seamless experience so you can focus on your next purchase.
Don't settle for less when selling your car. Experience the future of car transactions today.
Ready to sell? Visit www.motorist.my or download the Motorist Super App on the App Store or Google Play to get started!
Read More: Yes, you can sell your car even If It has an existing loan! here’s how to do It
I want to find the highest selling price for my car within 24 hours!
Download the Motorist App now. Designed by drivers for drivers, this all-in-one app lets you receive the latest traffic updates, gives you access to live traffic cameras, and helps you manage vehicle related matters.
