The announcement made by the Minister of Works, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi last Tuesday to abolish free tolls in conjunction with the festival has caused various reactions among the people.
The proposal made to stop the bulk subsidy was strongly supported by Deputy Prime Minister, Zahid Hamidi who stressed that free tolls do not actually solve the problem of road congestion.
However, less than 24 hours later, this drama entered a new 'plot twist' when Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil revealed that the decision has not been finalized and the decision will only be announced in the Cabinet Meeting this Friday!
Further heating up the situation, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hinted at a "targeted" approach, where only the B40 and M40 groups will enjoy the toll exemption, while the T20, including luxury car owners, will be excluded from this benefit.
Meanwhile, Fahmi assured that the government is open to receiving the views of the people and will consider various suggestions before making a final decision.
With the Chinese New Year celebrations approaching, the people are now wondering: Will the free toll be a fond memory or just a joke?
If the government continues to play the puzzle game, don't be surprised if the people start creating creative "bypasses", village roads becoming highways, who knows?
