KUALA LUMPUR: The government is set to decide on the implementation of the multi-lane free flow (MLFF) toll system by Dec 16.
"We need to reach an agreement on the matter. The issue lies in overlapping concessionaires.
"A new concessionaire intends to implement MLFF in addition to the 33 concessionaires, which operate in 33 areas, covering about 2,000km," said Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan today.
He said this in a reply to questions by members of parliament during a minister's question session in the Dewan Rakyat.
He said PLUS Malaysia, which oversees more than 1,000km of highways, opposes the overlapping concession.
"PLUS does not agree to this plan as it can implement MLFF independently.
"This matter is under serious consideration, and we will prepare a cabinet paper for a final decision."
In February, the Public Accounts Committee said it had initiated proceedings regarding the implementation of the MLFF project under the Works Ministry and the Malaysian Highway Authority.
In December 2023, an online portal reported on a protest by 32 highway concessionaires against the move by the government move to directly award the project to a private company.
Quoting sources, the report claimed that the government signed an appointment agreement with the company on Nov 17, awarding the RM3.46 billion project without consulting the concessionaires, who will foot the bill for its implementation.
Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said then that the planning and approval processes for the development and implementation of the project were carried out by the previous government in 2021.
He added that the current government will conduct studies to introduce improvement measures, especially those related to the legal aspects, in the implementation of the project.