Kuala Lampur, March 16 -- Whether Hari Raya Aidilfitri falls on 20 or 21 March this year, many Malaysians are already looking forward to the balik kampung journey. I will be heading back to Kedah early myself. My wife and I are fortunate that both our families live in the same state.

Like many others, however, the drive home is something many dread at the same time. Traffic congestion has long been part of the festive season. In some ways, it almost feels like a national tradition.

Still, in an age of rapid technological progress, surely our journeys home can be made smoother and less stressful.

One of the biggest bottlenecks during festive travel is the toll plaza. Few motorists object to paying tolls if the highways are well maintain...