[Updated] 11 concessionaires to implement open toll payment: Nanta

KUALA LUMPUR: Twelve highway concessionaires have agreed to implement the open payment system for tolls.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi the system is expected to be fully operational in September, while a dry run session will held in July.

He said negotiations with other companies are still ongoing for them to join in the implementation.

Asked on the security of the payment system, Nanta said it was being addressed in discussions on the matter.

"For this aspect, we take into consideration all the risks that could come with the system.

"Which is why discussion will take time for us to ensure that any issues do not arise," he said after a working visit to the Persada Plus corporate tower.

Separately, Nanta said the road upgrading project, involving Sedenak and Pasir Gudang Expressway for road widening, has started with an allocation of RM525 million.

"There is a timeframe for this project after it was approved. The early works are being done by Plus," he said.

Previously, Nanta said the implementation of two projects to upgrade the Pasir Gudang Expressway (FT17), which will involve road widening, is expected to reduce congestion on the route.

He said the two projects that had been approved, involving an allocation of RM5.2 million, would be implemented in phases, namely Phase 2B and Phase 3, and would include widening the four-lane route to six lanes.