The Malaysian Association of Highway Concession Companies (MAHCC) is confident that highways in the country will be free-flowing in multiple lanes in the next three years with the implementation of the radio frequency identification (RFID) at all toll plazas.

MAHCC president Azman Ismail today said that the association was now working with the government to provide the best services for highway users.

"If you ask some of the concessionaires, most of the equipment is already installed at the lanes. We are in the pilot stage.

“We would like to understand more about what other technical issues we face at the pilot stage so that we can resolve it, and get it launched and implemented as soon as possible. 

"But we obviously cannot do this alone because the highways in Malaysia are so integrated.

"I am confident we can (achieve it within three years). It is not something that we just started, it's work in progress," he told reporters after the launching of the 2019 Highway Concession Conference by Works Minister Baru Bian in George Town today.

Azman, who is also Plus Malaysia Bhd managing director, said because the highways in Malaysia are integrated with one another, the experience must be seamless.

"Therefore, as the road user, if you use one highway to get from one location to another, you will probably be using multiple highways before you get to your destination. (So) it has to be seamless. 

"The issue that it faces must be resolved, not just for one highway, but for all highways. That is the beauty about the highway network in Malaysia. We must work together," he added.

Baru, in his opening speech, said that for a tolled highway to be sustainable, apart from technological adoption, having the right business model and a good financial structure are vital to ensure the optimal and affordable toll charges for highway users.

He said Malaysia had implemented close to 30 highway concessions, and over the years, its project structures and business models had not changed much.

"In view of the rapid technological advancement and lifestyle changes that we are seeing, there needs to be a different structure to replace the current one. 

"I hope that this will be discussed here and that options can be formulated for further deliberation," he said.

- Bernama