KUCHING, April 19 — The government has to bear about RM93 million to implement the free Rahmah toll initiative for four days from today, said Deputy Finance Minister I Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
The initiative, applicable on 13 highways and for all classes of vehicles, is one of MADANI’s aspirations to reduce the cost of living for the people.
He said the amount was a preliminary estimate calculated by the National Budget Office to be paid to the concessionaires involved.
“Think of it as duit raya…to give highway users the opportunity to return to their hometowns or visit family members in conjunction with Aidilfitri,” Ahmad said after handing over donations to 30 asnaf at the Malaysian Tax Academy earlier today.
Also present was Sarawak Inland Revenue Board (IRB) director Vijayen Nagalingham.
In another development, Ahmad said the Sarawak IRB recorded a total of RM6.6 billion in tax collection last year.
“This year we are targeting a tax collection of RM6.8 billion,” he added.
— Bernama
