Deputy works minister Ahmad Maslan said the proposed amendments to the Federal Roads Act 1959, the Road Transport Act 1987, and the Malaysian Highway Authority (Incorporation) Act 1980 would cover provisions for toll-evasion offences and the enforcement mechanisms required under the new collection system.

“MLFF is a toll system where vehicles simply drive through. In the end, some may not pay, and that is why specific legislation is needed, as well as clarity on which agency will enforce it,” he said.

“Currently, the Malaysian Highway Authority is most likely to take on the enforcement role,” Ahmad told the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to a supplementary question from Zahir Hassan (PH-Wangsa Maju) on the timeline for implementing the MLFF system across all highways operated by the country’s 33 concessionaires.

Ahmad said the amendments required were among the factors contributing to the delay in implementing the MLFF system.

Responding to a supplementary question from Dr Halimah Ali (PN-Kapar) on claims that the government would incur costs of up to RM3 billion for the MLFF rollout, he clarified that the system is being implemented entirely by the concessionaires.

“When the implementation is carried out entirely by concessionaires on a business-to-business basis, it does not involve any government expenditure.

“The implementation of the MLFF system also ensures that motorists will not incur additional charges, as it is designed for the benefit of consumers. We do not want road users who have enjoyed smooth traffic on the highways to suddenly end up stuck for hours at toll plazas,” he said.