MLFF tender award discussions ongoing, says Works Minister

KUALA LUMPUR: The discussions on the awarding of tender for the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) project are still ongoing, says Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

The Works Minister said contract bidders will have until the end of this year to discuss with concessionaires and other stakeholders in order to take part in the MLFF project.

“Discussions are still ongoing. As I mentioned before, it is still within the given time until the end of 2024 as stipulated under its Permanent Agreement,” said the Works Minister.

However, he did not reveal exactly who the contract bidders for the project were.

Nanta Linggi told reporters this after attending the 2024 Mandate Ceremony and the Ministry’s Monthly Assembly at Dewan Tan Sri Mahfoz Khalid, Kompleks Kerja Raya, here on Thursday (Feb 8).

“They are given the opportunity to have discussions together with those who are involved and with the rest of the stakeholders, especially the highway concessionaires.

“Those who are interested have also been told to provide a proof-of-concept involving the project.

“They still have a lot of time until the end of the year,” added the minister.

The Works Ministry announced on March 30 last year that it had allocated RM3.46bil for the implementation of the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll collection system by 2025 to overcome and reduce congestion on highways, especially at toll plazas.

The project is said to be using automated number plate recognition (ANPR) and RFID technologies, which allow a seamless tolling experience without any physical toll lanes and barriers.

On Jan 22, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) agreed to initiate proceedings on the project and will summon representatives from the Works Ministry and the Malaysian Highways Authority (LLM) to explain the implementation of the MLFF system.

In March last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that the tender process to install barrier-free boom gates at all tolled highways would be carried out properly and transparently.

The Prime Minister refuted reports that the project, called the multi-lane fast flow system (MLFF), would be awarded through a negotiated tender, in contrast with his administration’s preference for an open tender for all government projects.

On a separate matter, Nanta Linggi said the ministry will embark on a total of 233 projects this year, involving 38 new projects, 181 continuation projects and 14 maintenance projects.

He also pointed out that the Sarawak Pan Borneo Highway project has reached a 98.91% completion rate while the Pan Borneo Sabah Phase 1A has achieved 87% completion for the 15 ongoing work packages.

“Soon, the West Coast Expressway (WCE) that connects Banting and Taiping is also set to be fully opened.

“The WCE will serve as an alternative route for North-South Expressway (PLUS) users to alleviate traffic congestion, especially during festive seasons.

“Each of these mega projects will contribute to the economic growth and development of our country,” he noted.