HIGHWAY toll concessionaires in the country have protested against the government’s move to directly award the multi-lane free-flow (MLFF) project for all highways to a private company.
Quoting sources, Free Malaysia Today reported that a total 32 highway toll concessionaires were unhappy over the move.
Under the MLFF system, all exit and entry points on the highways will be converted into barrier-free lanes to reduce congestion and ease traffic flow.
The sources claimed that the government had signed an appointment agreement with a company which is linked to YTL Corporation Bhd.
The agreement was signed on November 17, awarding the RM3.46 billion project without consulting the concessionaires who would eventually be the ones to foot the bill.
The Association of Highway Concessionaires (PSKLM) had since sent an objection letter to the Works Ministry, claiming the move violates their agreements with the government, said the source.
The association is reportedly seeking legal advice on the matter as the government is offering a 20-year concession to KJS-SEP Synergy (M) Sdn Bhd.
Among the main concerns conveyed to the government is the estimated cost of RM3.46 billion.
PSKLM said the cost can be reduced by 30% if the individual companies are allowed to build and implement the MLFF system by themselves.
The source said the toll industry also questioned the rationale of such a direct award as the company has no experience in the industry.
“Also, the current toll operations and their validation process by concession companies will be taken over by KJS-SEP.
“This will raise potential integrity issues with regards to traffic and toll revenue as the end-to-end process is controlled by a single company without any checks and balances,” added the source. – The Vibes, December 6, 2023.
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