en.Wedoany.com Reported - Deputy Minister of Works of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, stated that due to government fiscal constraints, the East Coast Highway Phase 3 (LPT3) is proposed to be implemented through a public-private partnership model.

Ahmad Maslan said that LPT3 is considered an alternative route, as residents of the East Coast will have more travel options after the completion of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), the Kota Bharu-Kuala Krai Highway (KBKK), and the Central Spine Road (LTU).

He pointed out that currently, the East Coast Highway only experiences congestion during Hari Raya and peak holiday periods. The ECRL, which is nearing completion, will become one of the travel options for East Coast residents heading to the Klang Valley. Once the KBKK and LTU are completed, they will also provide more choices, making LPT3 the third alternative.

Ahmad Maslan made these remarks in response to a question from Wan Hassan, the Member of Parliament for Dungun from the Perikatan Nasional coalition, regarding the standards and project timeline for implementing LPT3 under a public-private partnership model. He mentioned that LPT3 is proposed to be developed through a public-private partnership model using a competitive bidding process, with the development costs fully borne by the winning bidder.

However, the toll rate for LPT3 has not yet been finalized and will be determined based on factors such as construction costs, financing, operation and maintenance costs, traffic flow projections, and the concession period.

Ahmad Maslan stated that the project spans 122 kilometers and features a dual two-lane design. According to a 2022 study, the development cost is estimated at RM9.8 billion. The highway will include five elevated interchanges, with the route extending from Kampung Gemuruh in Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, to Tunjong in Kota Bharu.

Ahmad Maslan mentioned that details such as the concession period, toll collection system, and toll plaza locations have yet to be finalized.