Govt’s Initiative To Lessen Traffic Jams Through Barrier-Free System

According to Jelebu MP Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, the use of the existing tolls technology system on our roads primarily obscured the reason why Malaysian drivers experience extensive and long hours of traffic congestion aside from inadequate lanes as he told Dewan Rakyat recently.

He went on to say that instead of the current outdated toll system, highway concessionaires should develop a new sensor technology to collect tolls.

Photo credits to BERNAMA

“How long are we going to stick to using outdated technology at toll gates? “Why can’t we use sensors? It is being used in many developed countries. If the cars bypass the sensors (without payment), they could be fined. It makes sense.” the Jelebu MP remarked. 

Separately, Deputy Minister of Public Works Abdul Rahman Mohamad then said that the Malaysian government expects its multi-lane free flow (MLFF) toll collection system to be operational by 2025, beginning with a study of its use in 2024 plus a budget alloted RM3.46 billion.

With the new highway toll project, the government hopes it could resolve the congestion problem on highways, especially toll plazas as this initiative could ease the driver’s journey by eliminating the need to stop and pay tolls.

On a different note, the Lipis MP continues stating that the highway between Kuala Lumpur and Karak would be upgraded from the Karak toll plaza to the Bentong toll plaza which is expected to take off in July and costs RM2.1 billion.

He then appended the debate on the ministry's 2023 budget estimates by saying that four million to five million vehicles pass through toll plazas on the country's toll highway network every day.

Following the debate, the Dewan Rakyat approved an RM865.27 million allocation for the ministry after 26 MPs participated.

Source: FMT