KUALA LUMPUR: The Works Ministry will carry out several studies to introduce improvement measures, especially those related to the legal aspect, in the implementation of the multi-lane free flow (MLFF) project for all highways in the country.
Its minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said this in his response to a report by an online portal on the protest by 32 highway concessionaires against the move by the government to directly award a private company the MLFF project.
Nanta explained that the planning and approval processes for the development and implementation of the MLFF project were made by the previous government in 2021.
"It is undeniable that the previous administration had obtained preliminary approval for the implementation of MLFF.
"The approval, however, was merely to allow the negotiation process to take place amongst the parties involved in the implementation of the project.
"As the present Works Minister, I am aware of the need to carry out several studies and introduce improvements, especially those involving the legal aspect, to ensure smooth implementation of the MLFF for the benefit of the people although the planning and early approval processes for the project have been underway since 2021," he said in a statement posted on his Facebook account.
The social media posting was accompanied by a link to the news article published by the online portal.
Quoting sources in the know, the report claimed that the government had signed an appointment agreement with the company on Nov 17, awarding the RM3.46 billion project without consulting the concessionaires, which will foot the bill for the implementation of the project.
In the same statement, Nanta added that the ministry and the Malaysian Highway Authority are examining all aspects related to the implementation of the project.
"At present, the highway concessionaires (affected by the implementation of the project) still hold the absolute right and authority to collect tolls as stipulated in the concession agreement, which is still valid and being enforced.
"In addition, my team and I at the ministry are working closely to ensure the smooth implementation of the MLFF so that the project can meet its objective.
"Nevertheless, the (success of the implementation of) project requires comprehensive cooperation and support not only from all including the ministry as well as the concessionaires and the top leadership in the unity government," he said.