{
  "id": 18227120,
  "title": "Deepavali: MADANI government cuts toll rates by 50 per cent for two days",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/deepavali-madani-government-cuts-toll-rates-by-50-per-cent-for-two",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-05T02:01:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Vibes",
    "slug": "the-vibes",
    "url": "https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/129203/deepavali-madani-government-cuts-toll-rates-by-50-per-cent-for-two-days"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "For two days leading up to Deepavali, the MADANI government has slashed highway tolls by 50 percent, offering significant savings to travelers. Starting midnight on Friday, November 6, the discount will run until 11:59 PM on Saturday, November 7. Minister of Works Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi announced the move, stating it eases financial strain on the public, especially those returning home for the festival. The initiative will cost RM20.11 million in compensation to highway concessionaires, covered by the government. The rebate applies to private vehicles and certain vehicles on the Penang Bridge, but not to two national border toll plazas. Nanta expressed hope the discount eases travel costs for the Hindu community. Coordination will involve the Ministry of Works and highway concessionaires, with users advised to plan journeys ahead of time to avoid congestion.",
  "summary": "HIGHWAY users will enjoy savings on travel costs, as the government has announced a 50 percent toll discount for two days in conjunction with the 2026 Deepavali celebrations. The discount will take effect from midnight on Friday, November 6, and will...",
  "key_points": [
    "MADANI government slashes highway tolls by 50% for two days",
    "Discount from midnight November 6 to 11:59 PM November 7",
    "Costs RM20.11 million, covers private vehicles and some Penang Bridge traffic"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Subsidizing highway concessionaires for the festival period shifts the financial burden of holiday travel from the public to the state to alleviate seasonal economic pressures on returning families.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}