Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi clarified the decision to initiate the open payment system on only five highways, for now, was to ensure that the new system can function well.
The minister said the system needed further testing and that its implementation should not be rushed.
“This effort cannot be implemented hastily without conducting full planning and development.
“Most importantly, a testing of the proposed system (must be done) before being fully implemented to avoid any problems that may inconvenience users in the future,” Alexander said in a Facebook post today.
He gave assurance that his ministry's ultimate goal is to implement the system fully in all tolls nationwide as soon as possible to facilitate the transition to the Multi-Lane Fast Flow (MLFF) system.
Alexander explained further that these particular highways were selected by the Works Ministry after all engagement, technical, legal, and financial processes were agreed upon by all parties involved.
He also reiterated that the authority to implement toll payment systems and all related matters is under the jurisdiction of his ministry.
The implementation’s long wait
The Kapit MP also highlighted that the system’s implementation is a complex process that needed to be scrutinised and explained by all parties involved.
“The ministry's development and privatisation division has been working on this initiative since 2022.
“After being appointed to lead this ministry, expediting the implementation of an open toll payment while simultaneously stopping all forms of monopolies was among my main focuses,” he said.
Alexander added that since the toll system’s announcement, several other concession companies have expressed interest and willingness to participate.
The minister also confirmed that MLFF now stands for “Multi-Lane Fast Flow” and no longer “Multi-Lane Free Flow” to avoid confusion.
On Tuesday, Alexander announced that motorists would be allowed to pay tolls using credit or debit cards on five highways by September.
The highways are the Sungai Besi Expressway, New Pantai Expressway (NPE), Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (AKLEH), Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE), and Penang Bridge.
This comes after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on March 19 that the government will look into the Touch ‘n Go monopoly of highway toll collection as there has not been any convincing development or progress with the system. - Mkini
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