No toll price increase with implementation of MLFF

Toll prices will not be increased following the implementation of the multi-lane free flow (MLFF) toll collection system, The Star reports. This is according to deputy works minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, who added that the proposed project has yet to receive cabinet approval.

“The initial estimated cost of RM3.46 billion will not be imposed on the government or highway users. This is because of the savings made by highway concessionaires due to reduced costs in maintenance, workers’ salaries and electricity at toll plazas once the MLFF is implemented,” said Ahmad.

“These savings will be used for the MLFF system without increasing toll charges for users,” he continued in his response to a question from Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam) in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday (February 19, 2025). The RM3.46 billion estimate was provided under a previous proposal by KJS Sdn Bhd and SEP Snergy (M) Sdn Bhd, which was automatically terminated on December 16 last year – the agreement was initially signed on November 17, 2022.

Ahmad said the government remains committed to implementing the MLFF system as a solution to traffic congestion at highway toll plazas. “The cabinet will soon decide on the direction of the MLFF system’s implementation,” he noted.

This will require the preparation of a cabinet paper, which is pending feedback from the transport ministry, finance ministry, attorney general’s chambers (AGC) and the Public Private Partnership Unit (UKAS) under the prime minister’s department.

The proposed MLFF project, which will require approval from all 33 highway concessionaires, is expected to attract bids from several companies. Ahmad added that the government will consider recommendations by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to conduct a cost-benefit analysis for the project.

Earlier this week, the PAC said the implementation of the MLFF system would not fully resolve traffic congestion on highways. Ahmad acknowledged this but said the project would be a step towards addressing the issue. PAC launched its probe into the MLFF project last February following protests by 33 highway concessionaires against the direct awarding of the project to a private company without consulting stakeholders.

On a related matter, Ahmad said highway concessionaires have the right to implemented the MLFF system independently, although this will be subject to the cabinet’s directive and the overall direction of the MLFF system. This is in relation to reports that PLUS Malaysia will implement the MLFF system come April this year.

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