Malaysia pushes ahead with toll-free smart highways and major upgrades

Malaysia's highway system, which began with toll collection in 1966, now spans 2,151 kilometres across 34 routes and serves millions of motorists each day. Deputy Works Minister Ahmad Maslan said the network will see upgrades such as additional lanes on the North-South Expressway, solar-powered LED lighting on four key expressways, and the completion of the Pan Borneo Highway in Sabah by 2030. The government plans to keep the Pan Borneo routes toll-free, classifying them as federal roads and citing social responsibility.

New safety measures include emergency response plans, contraflow lanes for accident clearance and extensive use of CCTV and variable-message signs. A future Multi-Lane Free Flow toll system will be rolled out in stages, beginning with a single-lane pilot in 2027, supported by a legal framework and B2B service contracts. The overall strategy aims to boost connectivity, reduce congestion and enhance economic competitiveness.