Why Do Malaysians Pay So Many Tolls (And Can You Avoid Them?)

How many times have you made plans for a road trip in Malaysia and suddenly found yourself worrying about tolls? Let’s face it- Malaysians pay so many tolls that sometimes they can’t help but wonder why road trips in Malaysia seem to come with a built-in surcharge at every turn? Plus the fact that despite paying such heavy tolls, traffic congestion remains stubbornly persistent. 

In this article, we dive into the toll truth: how tolls became so ubiquitous, who benefits and most importantly, is it possible to avoid toll charges in Malaysia without adding hours to your journey?

Why do Malaysians pay so many tolls?

Malaysia’s tolled-road network is the result of policies introduced in the late 1980s, when the government turned to build-operate-transfer (BOT) agreements to expand infrastructure without bearing the full financial burden. Under this model, private concessionaires financed, built, and operated highways then handed them back to the government after 30 to 50 years. By 2022, this approach had delivered around 20 tolled highways spanning nearly 1,500 kilometres. Today, Malaysia’s national expressway system stretches over 5,000 kilometres, with roughly 40%, about 2,031 kilometres, being tolled. That’s a major reason why Malaysians pay so many tolls: most high-speed, limited-access routes are behind a paywall.

Across the country, there are currently 182 toll plazas scattered along key routes. These include major arteries like the North–South Expressway (748 km), the East Coast Expressway (433 km), and toll bridges such as the Penang Bridge (13.5 km). Most tolled highways use a closed-system model charging you based on where you enter and exit. So every time you hop on or off, or cross a tolled bridge, you’re clocked and charged accordingly.

Who ultimately pays and who profits?

For everyday Malaysians, toll payments have become a routine part of driving. Depending on the route, a single trip might cost as little as RM1 or as much as RM5, and that’s just for short distances. Longer drives rack up even more. Take the East Coast Expressway, for instance: a full journey from Karak to Kuala Terengganu costs over RM43 in tolls alone. 

Combine that with multiple tolled segments in a single journey, and the expenses can escalate quickly. It’s no surprise that road affordability has become a growing concern, especially for lower-income families and those who rely on highways for their daily commute.

So, where does all the toll money go?

Primarily to private highway concessionaires like PLUS Malaysia Berhad, ANIH Berhad, and several others operating under build-operate-transfer (BOT) contracts. These companies use toll revenues to:

• Service large infrastructure loans, often borrowed from institutional investors such as the Employees Provident Fund (EPF)
• Fund road maintenance 
• Deliver returns to shareholders

On paper, the system is designed to keep roads in good condition and ensure long-term sustainability. In practice, though, many Malaysians question whether they’re truly getting value for money.

Despite years of toll collection, major highways still suffer from congestion and bottlenecks, particularly during peak hours and festive seasons. For many, the high cost of using tolled roads doesn’t always translate into a noticeably smoother or faster journey raising valid questions about whether the balance of public benefit and private profit is where it should be.

Can you actually avoid paying tolls in Malaysia?

With toll costs adding up and traffic still a daily frustration, many drivers are asking: Is it possible to avoid tolls altogether? While not always convenient, there are ways to cut down on toll charges if you’re willing to plan ahead.

Let’s explore five smart ways to avoid toll charges in Malaysia without going completely off-grid.

• Take toll-free roads: Federal and state roads are toll-free, though slower. Use Waze or Google Maps with “avoid tolls” enabled.
• Choose open-system highways: Flat-fee highways like the NPE or Penang Bridge inbound may cost less than closed-system expressways.
• Ride a motorcycle: Most highways are toll-free for motorcycles, and since January 2019, Penang bridges and the Second Link as well. 
• Use toll rebates and promos: Touch ’n Go users logging 80+ trips/month may qualify for a 20% monthly rebate, though capped per transaction (max RM0.60‑RM0.80).
• Pick lower-cost crossings: Take the ferry to Penang Island or compare tolls between Malaysia‑Singapore Causeway vs Second Link for cheaper rates

Even if you can’t avoid every toll, these small adjustments can help lighten the load on your wallet.

The future: electronic redesign or realignment?

Looking ahead, Malaysia’s toll system is undergoing a major transformation. One of the most significant changes is the upcoming rollout of Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF), a fully electronic, gantry-based system that allows vehicles to pass through without stopping at toll booths. This system promises greater convenience and reduced congestion, as drivers will no longer need to slow down or queue.

However, while MLFF is expected to streamline traffic flow, it won’t necessarily mean lower charges—in fact, with more precise vehicle tracking, toll collection could become even more consistent and frequent.

At the same time, payment options are becoming increasingly diverse. Drivers can now pay tolls via Touch ’n Go cards, RFID tags, SmartTAGs, debit and credit cards through PayDirect, or even directly via the TnG eWallet. This shift towards cashless systems improves convenience and opens up access to rebates or cashback offers. Still, despite the added flexibility, it doesn’t change the frequency of tolls themselves—just the way we pay for them.

Verdict? Yes, you can pay less—but it takes effort

Malaysians pay so many tolls because road privatisation filled our expressway vacuum, bringing speedy commutes at a price. With 182 toll plazas and a 2,000km tolled network, avoiding toll booths entirely is tricky but switching routes, highways, transport modes, or taking advantage of rebates can help lighten the burden. As MLFF and cashless systems roll out, going toll‑smart may become easier but the fee‑structure remains.

For regular drivers, occasional long-distance travellers or delivery riders, avoid toll charges where practical, budget smart, and stay updated on system changes. After all, your journey’s best path might not start at the fastest lane but the smartest one.