KUALA LUMPUR: The Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE) has become the latest highway to take part in the implementation of the open toll payment system that is expected to begin in September.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said this brings the total number of highways involved to 12.

The other highways are Sungai Besi Expressway, New Pantai Expressway, Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway, Guthrie Corridor Expressway, Penang Bridge, Butterworth-Kulim Expressway, Damansara-Puchong Expressway, SPRINT Highway, Shah Alam Expressway, SMART Tunnel and the Kuala Lumpur-Putrajaya Expressway.

Nanta also said that DUKE had been chosen as the second location for the implementation of the Proof of Concept (POC) after the Sungai Besi Expressway to evaluate the Multi Lane Fast Flow (MLFF) system before it is implemented on all highways in the country.

"As we all know, the implementation of the open toll payment system is an initial preparation for the transition towards MLFF before it is fully implemented in phases by the third quarter of 2024.

"This effort is hoped to provide an opportunity for the government, concession companies and the parties involved to identify and resolve all issues that may hinder the smooth implementation of the MLFF in the future," he said in a statement today.

Nanta said the implementation of the open payment system, POC and MLFF is currently on schedule, and the ministry is working hard to ensure that all plans can be successfully implemented.

"I am asking for the cooperation of all parties to be patient and give some time to the team in this ministry who are committed to implementing the open payment system to ensure that the MLFF transition can be realised," he said.

-- BERNAMA