KUALA LUMPUR: Toll exemptions will be granted for 42 days until Jan 2 at 11.59pm for users of the West Coast Expressway (WCE) starting tomorrow.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said Section 6 of the WCE would be open to highway users starting from 12.01am on Nov 2.
"The free toll provision involves highway users entering Section 6 of the WCE from Bandar Bukit Raja Utara plaza toll to Assam Jawa plaza toll or vice versa (in both directions).
"For users entering the WCE from Section 5 (from Bandar Bukit Raja Selatan plaza toll (NNKSB) to Assam Jawa plaza toll or vice versa (in both directions), the existing toll rates for Section 5 according to the respective vehicle classes will be charged as usual."
He added that there are two lanes on the FT5 federal road that directly merge with this highway, making it unique.
"These two toll-free lanes, spanning 50 kilometers from Tanjung Karang to Sabak Bernam and 32.8 kilometers from Teluk Intan to Lekir, have been upgraded by the Public Works Department (JKR) to ensure smooth and comfortable transitions for users."
Nanta also said the opening of this highway could contribute to economic growth, especially for the local population.
"The journey from Kapar to Assam Jawa/Ijok, which used to take about 45 minutes, is now expected to be reduced to only 15 minutes via the WCE.
"This will have a larger socio-economic impact on the country and the state of Selangor in particular as well.
"The daily activities of the local population can be carried out more easily, encouraging further growth in the tourism sector, especially in the areas around Kuala Selangor," he added.
He also added that the highway can enhance the transportation network, connecting towns and districts to key growth centers like ports, and industrial zones along its route.
"This is evident from the opening of WCE Section 5 from Bandar Bukit Raja Selatan (NNKSB) to Bandar Bukit Raja Utara in 2019, which is now filled with developing industrial and logistics activity centers along Section 5."