PETALING JAYA – The government will be reviewing details surrounding the RM3.46 billion Multi-Lane Fast Flow (MLFF) project, according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking to reporters at the Kota Damansara Masjid here, Anwar assured the review process will be conducted according to proper procedure.
“We will have to relook at the whole (project award) process to see whether the full processes were adhered to.
“We will go through the normal, transparent processes. There is no basis to assume that the process (of awarding the project was through) a direct negotiation tender,” the prime minister said.
Previously, it was reported that 32 highway concessionaires had protested the government’s move to “directly award” the MLFF project to a private company, claiming that they were not consulted on the move.
They also alleged that the RM3.46 billion price tag is 30% higher than necessary.
Subsequently, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said that while approval for the MLFF was given in principle by the previous government, this approval only applied to the negotiation process between the parties involved.
“Currently, the highway concessionaire still holds the absolute right to collect tolls as per the concession agreement, which is still in force,” the minister said on December 7.
While Nanta did not specify concerns raised in media reports, his mention of toll collection rights by highway concessionaires appears to be in response to reports that the government had signed an “appointment agreement” with a private company to manage the MLFF for all highways nationwide.
FMT, citing sources, said the company was linked to YTL Corporation Bhd.
The MLFF is aimed at reducing traffic congestion through its barrier-free toll collection concept. – December 22, 2023