Multi-lane free flow project still in negotiations, says works minister

• The proposed MLFF system is estimated to cost RM3.46 billion for 33 highways in Malaysia.

KUALA LUMPUR (June 25): The multi-lane free flow (MLFF) system is still in the negotiation stage, even as the government aims to start the project by year end, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said on Tuesday.

Several stages need to be completed before a final decision can be made, Alexander said at a news conference in the Parliament building. “There are still issues that need to be followed through”, before a final decision could be made, he said.

The MLFF is a barrier-free system designed to replace the existing booth-based toll collection system with an overhead structure called a gantry. This gantry would collect tolls using radio-frequency identification devices (RFID), in conjunction with an automated number plate recognition system.

The proposed MLFF system is estimated to cost RM3.46 billion for 33 highways in Malaysia. The Ministry of Works has previously expressed hope that the system can be implemented by year end.

The Edge Malaysia weekly, citing sources, reported that a private entity — 60% controlled by YTL Corp Bhd (KL:YTL) and 40% owned by a state-owned entity — organised a briefing in July 2023 with the Malaysian Highway Authority and the Ministry of Works to present its proposal to highway concessionaires.

However, the YTL-linked proposal reportedly faced resistance from toll concessionaires, which criticised the private entity's lack of track record, expressing concerns that allowing a third party to take over toll collection might result in leakages.

Meanwhile, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) announced in January this year its intention to investigate the MLFF toll system. However, PAC chairperson Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin did not elaborate on what prompted the committee's decision to launch the probe.

Looking to buy a home? Sign up for EdgeProp START and get exclusive rewards and vouchers for ANY home purchase in Malaysia (primary or subsale)!