The awarding of the tender for the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) project is still being discussed, according to Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, the Works Minister.
The Works Minister stated that potential contract bidders have until the end of the year to hold discussions with concessionaires and other stakeholders in order to participate in the MLFF project.
“Discussions are ongoing, as I mentioned before, still within the given time until the end of 2024 as stipulated under its Permanent Agreement,” said the Works Minister.
However, the Works Minister did not disclose who the contract bidders for the project were.
Nanta Linggi made these comments to reporters after attending the 2024 Mandate Ceremony and the Ministry’s Monthly Assembly at Dewan Tan Sri Mahfoz Khalid, Kompleks Kerja Raya, on Feb 8.
“They are given the opportunity to have discussions together with those who are involved and with the rest of the stakeholders, especially the highway concessionaires.
“Those who are interested have also been told to provide a proof-of-concept involving the project.
“They still have a lot of time until the end of the year,” added the minister.
Last year, the Works Ministry announced that RM3.46bil had been allocated for the implementation of the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll collection system by 2025 with the goal of reducing congestion on highways, particularly at toll plazas.
The project is expected to utilize automated number plate recognition (ANPR) and RFID technologies for seamless tolling without physical toll lanes and barriers.
On Jan 22, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) agreed to initiate proceedings on the project and will summon representatives from the Works Ministry and the Malaysian Highways Authority (LLM) to explain the implementation of the MLFF system.
In March last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that the tender process for the multi-lane fast flow system (MLFF) would be carried out properly and transparently.
Additionally, Nanta Linggi stated that the ministry will undertake a total of 233 projects this year, including 38 new projects, 181 continuation projects, and 14 maintenance projects.
He also highlighted that the Sarawak Pan Borneo Highway project has reached a 98.91% completion rate, while the Pan Borneo Sabah Phase 1A has achieved 87% completion for the 15 ongoing work packages.
“Soon, the West Coast Expressway (WCE) that connects Banting and Taiping is also set to be fully opened,” said Nanta Linggi.
“The WCE will offer an alternative route for North-South Expressway (PLUS) users to alleviate traffic congestion, particularly during festive seasons.
“Each of these mega projects will contribute to the economic growth and development of our country,” he noted.
