Multi-lane free flow toll payment system to be implemented by 2025, says ministry

KUALA LUMPUR: A multi-lane free flow (MLFF) toll system is expected to be implemented nationwide in 2025, says the Works Ministry.

Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad said studies on its usage would also begin in 2024 and projected to take between one-and-a-half to two years to complete.

"The letter of intent has already been issued to concessionaires to ensure the study can be done smoothly.

"We hope this measure can at least reduce congestion along highways," he said when winding up his ministerial replies on Budget 2023 at the committee stage in Dewan Rakyat on Monday (March 20).

The MLFF is a barrier-free system that utilises a gantry without designated booths or lanes, with toll collected using radio-frequency identification devices (RFID) that work together with an automated number plate recognition (ANPR) system.

Abdul Rahman added that the MLFF was the future of toll collection and travelling, in line with the Intelligent Transport System blueprint by the Works Ministry.

In preparation for the implementation of the MLFF system, the deputy minister said the ministry would also adopt an open payment system for toll in the near future.

He said this would allow motorists to use credit cards to pay instead of with only Touch n' Go cards.

Interjecting, Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias (BN-Jelebu) said studies on the MLFF system should be sped up, adding that the number of cars nationwide would have tripled by 2024.

He also suggested for the Works Ministry to look into implementing a toll system where booths catered to all payment forms, instead of its current segregated nature.