Kuala Lumpur:Malaysia's highway development journey began in March 1964, with toll collection introduced two years later on the Tanjung Malim-Slim River Highway, the first in Malaysia and Asia. Initially, a 50-sen toll was charged, which was abolished in 1994 following the completion of the North-South Expressway. The country's first controlled-access highway, the Federal Highway, was constructed in 1974.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, highway development accelerated after the North-South Expressway's completion, with operations gradually transitioning to private companies in the 1980s. Today, Malaysia's highways connect various parts of the country, supporting millions of vehicles daily.
Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan highlighted Malaysia's 2,151-km highway network, which spans 34 routes operated by 28 concessionaires. Highways in Peninsular Malaysia carry about six million vehicles daily, while those in Sabah and Sarawak accommodate approximately 200,000 vehicles.
Urban highways mitigate congestion in metropolitan areas, while intercity highways facilitate state-to-state travel. The Pan Borneo Highway in Sarawak has been completed, and its counterpart in Sabah is under construction, aiming for full completion by 2030. Both highways are toll-free, reflecting the government's social responsibility and the classification of these routes as federal roads.
To address accidents, a primary cause of congestion, the Works Ministry implements preventive measures and road safety initiatives, complemented by educational campaigns and rapid response teams. The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research cites human negligence, road conditions, and vehicle-related factors as the main contributors to accidents.
Continuous highway maintenance is a joint responsibility of the government and concessionaires, with an annual cost of RM2.7 billion. Efforts include contracts awarded to Bumiputera contractors and various infrastructure upgrades, such as the Juru-Sungai Dua Traffic Dispersal Project.
Technological advancements are being integrated into highway management, including AI, Intelligent Transport Systems, and digital toll payments. A Memorandum of Understanding with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission aims to improve telecommunications along highways.
Future plans include the Multi Lane Free Flow toll system, expected to begin with the Single Lane Fast Flow system in 2027. The government is working on a legal framework to support this seamless toll payment system.
Through strategic planning and development, Malaysia aims to enhance its highway network, ensuring improved connectivity and supporting economic growth.