Kuala lumpur: The implementation of the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll collection system will not involve any financial implications for the government, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said. He stated that this initiative is part of a new direction set by the Works Ministry (KKR), which was presented to the Cabinet on July 25.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad explained that the initiative allows related service provider companies to negotiate and deal directly with the 33 existing highway concession companies on a business-to-business (B2B) basis to enable its implementation. As an example, he mentioned that PNB Prolintas is currently conducting proof of concept, testing, or trials at the Alam Impian Toll Plaza on the Kemuning-Shah Alam Expressway (LKSA) in collaboration with Touch 'n Go and CIMB. They have installed gantries and equipment to test the implementation of MLFF at the location.
Ahmad was responding to a question from Shaharizukirnain Abd Kadir (PN-Setiu) regarding the status of the MLFF toll collection system targeted for 2025, as well as improvements such as the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to ensure the effectiveness of the new system. In response to a supplementary question from Yusuf Abd Wahab (GPS-Tanjong Manis) about the Works Ministry's efforts to address toll evasion when the MLFF system is implemented, Ahmad stated that RFID technology and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) will be utilized at MLFF lanes. This technology will allow for the tracking of anyone who fails to pay tolls, as their license plate numbers will be captured as they pass through the gantries. This means those who do not pay will be identified and issued a notice.
Ahmad also mentioned that certain enforcement methods might be introduced in the future, such as being unable to renew road tax. These are among the measures that may be implemented once MLFF is rolled out. Regarding improvements to the RFID system, he highlighted that the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) under KKR continuously monitors the performance of existing RFID lanes, ensuring that highway operators conduct fine-tuning more frequently. This effort is aimed at enhancing the RFID system in the lanes while also increasing user awareness about maintaining sufficient balance when using the toll plazas.