The Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll collection system, set to be introduced by PLUS Malaysia Bhd, is a private initiative by the highway concessionaire, according to Deputy Minister of Works Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
He stated that once the Central Tolling Company (CTC) Appointment Agreement (AA) between the government and the proposing company, KJS-SEP JV, expires on December 16, 2024, the concessionaire will have the right to implement the system independently. While concessionaires are permitted to implement their own MLFF systems, the final decision remains subject to Cabinet approval and direction.
According to Bernama, Ahmad also highlighted the necessity of cross-ministerial collaboration in the project’s development, involving key agencies such as the Ministry of Transport (MOT), the Ministry of Finance (MOF), the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC), and the Public-Private Cooperation Unit (UKAS). His remarks were made during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday, in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam) regarding inter-ministerial cooperation for the MLFF pilot test scheduled to begin in April next year.
Addressing Wee’s initial inquiry on the government’s position regarding MLFF and the status of negotiations with highway concessionaires, Ahmad reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to implementing the system to enhance user convenience. He stated that the ministry would soon seek new directives from the Cabinet on the preferred approach to MLFF implementation.
MLFF is regarded as a key initiative under the National Intelligent Transport System (ITS), designed to modernize toll collection by eliminating the need for vehicles to stop or slow down at toll plazas. The system is expected to improve traffic flow significantly. Its implementation will rely on a combination of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, which will detect vehicle and user information to facilitate seamless toll payments.
Ahmad further noted that new highway designs are being tailored to accommodate the MLFF system.
On the termination of the CTC Appointment Agreement, he explained that negotiations among the government, 33 existing highway concessionaires, and the proposing company had remained unresolved since the agreement was signed on November 17, 2022. As no consensus was reached within the stipulated three-year period, the agreement will automatically be cancelled.
