KUALA LUMPUR: The discussion over the multi-lane free flow (MLFF) project is still ongoing, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
"This (the discussion) is currently ongoing. As mentioned previously, it is still within the timeframe provided which is until the end of 2024 as stipulated under the Permanent Agreement," he said during a press conference at the ministry's monthly assembly today.
Present during the assembly were Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan and Secretary-General Hasnol Zamzam Ahmad.
Nanta had previously said the ministry would be carrying out several studies to introduce improvement measures, especially those related to the legal aspect, in the implementation of the project.
His response came after an online portal reported the protest by 32 highway concessionaires against the move by the government to directly award a private company the MLFF project.
Quoting sources in the know, the report had claimed that the government had signed an appointment agreement with the company on Nov 17, awarding the RM3.46 billion project without consulting the concessionaires, which will foot the bill for the implementation of the project.
Following this, Nanta had also explained that the planning and approval processes for the development and implementation of the MLFF project were made by the previous government in 2021.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had previously said that the government will relook at the awarding of the contract on the implementation of MLFF project for all highways.
Anwar said this was to ensure the award of contract was made according to the right process and had been done transparently.