The multi-lane fast flow (MLFF) toll collection system has been a long-running issue that has dragged on for way longer than its initially-planned deadline for implementation in the third quarter of 2024. The main holdup is trying to get all highway concessionaires to agree on the system’s direction, and last we heard, the cabinet has terminated negotiations with the operators.
Unfortunately, we may have to wait a little longer yet – speaking to reporters at the Touch ‘n Go eWallet SOS Balance launch, works minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said the system still needs to be fine-tuned before its eventual implementation. This is despite a paper regarding the MLFF system’s direction set to be presented to the cabinet for consideration and approval this month.
“The issue [of MLFF] needs to be refined,” he said. “This is why we are taking in a lot of opinions and offers. We have also heard from industry players on the matter, so hopefully in the end we can get the best [solution] when the time comes for a decision to be made.”
This suggests that the authorities and stakeholders have yet to actually make a decision on the system, meaning its implementation may still be a ways away from becoming a reality. According to the minister, the safety and efficiency – the latter being a particular worry as leakages are possible – of MLFF is the main concern.
“Because this system is meant to smoothen the traffic flow on highways, it is very important that we ensure that the safety [of MLFF] is improved, and we will also need to address issues with congestion and so on. Of course, we will also need to improve the efficiency of the system, because otherwise there will be implications.
“For instance, there may be those who do not pay [the toll fee] and there will be a lot of losses. We will also ensure that there is sufficient enforcement of any necessary laws once MLFF is implemented,” Nanta Linggi added.
To recap, the MLFF system aims to relieve traffic congestion by providing seamless automatic toll payments without any barriers, similar to Singapore’s Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system. After years of talk, a proof of concept was planned for 2023, but the project has since been mired in indecision as the works ministry has continuously failed to reach a consensus with all highway concessionaires.
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We’re not trying to put a man on the moon here…Singapore and Australia implemented this ERP/MLFF/E-tag decades ago why so hard to do here? Can it be because you can’t enforce toll collection with fines? Or the toll companies know that giving 50% discount ala PDRM saman is not the way they want to run their business? Or even worse…their free ride on the concession agreements come to an end? Come on lah
As above and not just during festivals but everyday!
PH Gomen continue to troll millions of Msians!
The implementation of MLFF should be fast-tracked and not delayed any further. If we continue to allow monopolies like TM for internet services and TnG to dominate, we’ll always fall behind in terms of technological advancement and services.
Just say there are particular cronies to satisfy all other countries have implemented it decades ago want to have a good guess why is it so successful and we are still considering……
what more to refine? just plug n play the system based on Singapore module la..wasting money for research n discussion