Expired Agreement Clears Path for PLUS MLFF System

PLUS Malaysia Bhd’s reported plans to implement a Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll system is an independent move by the concessionaire, said Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He explained that with the appointment agreement for the central tolling company (CTC) expiring on Dec 16, 2024 after which PLUS has the right to develop its own MLFF system that adheres to Cabinet policies and directives.

“The concessionaire has the right to implement its own system but remains subject to government policies,” he said in response to Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam), who asked about inter-ministerial coordination following the upcoming MLFF pilot test in April.

Ahmad confirmed that input will be gathered from the Ministry of Transport (MOT), Ministry of Finance (MOF), Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) and the Public-Private Partnership Unit (UKAS) as part of the collaboration process.

On the government’s stance, he reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to rolling out the MLFF system to improve highway convenience and user comfort.

“The ministry will seek Cabinet approval soon for the MLFF policy direction. It’s a forward-looking initiative aligned with the National Intelligent Transport System (ITS) plan. Users won’t have to stop or slow down at toll booths, ensuring smoother traffic flow,” he explained.

The system will use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to identify vehicles and streamline toll payments. Ahmad added that highway designs will also be updated to support the new technology.

On the expired CTC appointment, Ahmad said negotiations between the government, 33 highway concessionaires, and the proposing company - KJS-SEP JV - fell through after failing to reach an agreement by the three-year deadline on Nov 17, 2022. As a result, the agreement was automatically nullified.

Source: The Sun