KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 18 — The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has recommended that the Works Ministry (KKR) and the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) conduct a more detailed cost-benefit analysis regarding the implementation of the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) project.
Its chairman Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said this recommendation was made after the committee concluded that the MLFF's implementation would not fully resolve traffic congestion on toll highways.
This was one of six recommendations made by PAC concerning the management of the MLFF project under KKR and LLM that was presented in the Dewan Rakyat today.
KKR also needs to finalise the direction of the MLFF system promptly after the appointment agreement expired on Dec 16 last year.
“KKR needs to seek detailed advice or reviews from the Finance Ministry or the Public-Private Partnership Unit (UKAS) to confirm the best procurement method for implementing MLFF.
“The implementation of MLFF should be carried out using the best method, with no cost implications to the government or users,” she said in a statement.
PAC also expressed its view that it would be inappropriate for the government to sign any agreements with significant impact during a caretaker government period.
“As an immediate measure, LLM and the concessionaire companies need to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of toll collection at each toll plaza,” Ermieyati said.
The PAC commenced proceedings on the MLFF implementation on February 26 last year, following the government’s announcement in March 2023 that RM3.46 billion would be allocated for the MLFF system.
She added that the PAC held six proceedings on this issue from February 26 to November 19, calling witnesses like the KKR secretary-general, the former KKR secretary-general (December 2021 to September 2023), its deputy secretary-general (policy and development), UKAS director-general, the LLM director-general, the Malaysian Highway Concession Companies Association's president, and the project director of Selangor Network Consortium Sdn Bhd.
As a result of these proceedings, PAC made 11 conclusions.
“Members of the public interested in reading and reviewing the PAC report on the MLFF Implementation Management under KKR and LLM can download the report from the PAC website at www.parlimen.gov.my/pac,” she said.
— Bernama
