My Mobility Vision founder Wan Agyl Wan Hassan said the MLFF, once implemented as part of an integrated traffic management system, would significantly reduce congestion at toll booths and contribute to overall smoother traffic flow.
“While I agree that the MLFF alone isn’t a silver bullet for all congestion issues, it is important to recognise its significant contribution in easing congestion specifically at toll plazas.
“By removing physical toll booths, vehicles maintain a more consistent speed, which can drastically reduce localised bottlenecks and improve overall traffic flow.
“MLFF should be seen as a vital component within a holistic traffic management strategy rather than the sole solution to highway congestion,” he told FMT, adding that other major cities have successfully adopted such an integrated approach.
Under the MLFF system, all exit and entry points on highways will be converted into barrier-free lanes to reduce congestion and ease traffic flow.
On Feb 18, the Public Accounts Committee said it believed the MLFF system would not entirely resolve highway congestion issues, and called for a thorough cost-benefit analysis before proceeding with the RM3.46 billion project.
The committee also criticised the signing of an appointment agreement for the project with KJS-SEP Synergy JV on Nov 17, 2022, during the caretaker government period, under former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Wan Agyl agreed with the PAC’s call for a thorough study on the project, saying it was important to ensure transparency in procurement and address potential financial burdens in any major infrastructure project.
“At the same time, I maintain that it is important for the MLFF project to continue.
“This balanced approach – acknowledging both the strengths of MLFF and the need for comprehensive congestion management – aligns with the best global practices and ensures that we harness technology to improve our transport infrastructure effectively,” he said.
MDS Consultancy managing director Rosli Azad Khan also supported the MLFF, saying it would reduce travel time, improve fuel efficiency for road users, and lower operational costs for toll operators.
Rosli said Putrajaya must install the automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system first and ensure it was working effectively before implementing the MLFF.
He said factors such as dirt, camera angles or vehicle modifications could hamper the ANPR’s accuracy, which would in turn affect the implementation of the MLFF.
Implementing the ANPR first would allow the authorities to iron out any kinks in the system.
“The government must not privatise the ANPR function, as only a government department has the legal authority to implement this system,” he said.