Malaysia targets smart technology for at least half its expressways
Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi outlined a plan for incident detection, traffic monitoring and barrier-free tolling, with final government approval still pending.
Malaysia aims to equip at least half of its 34 expressways with smart-highway technology, Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said on 19 October in a statement reported by The Straits Times in a BERNAMA-credited account. The proposed systems are intended to detect incidents earlier, improve traffic flow and make road operations more efficient, but the plan still needs government approval.
What Malaysia wants to install on its expressways
Nanta said the initiative would use artificial intelligence, smart CCTV and systems to detect and warn of high-risk incidents, including accidents. He also listed solar-powered lighting, digital mobility applications and electric-vehicle charging infrastructure among the proposed features. The statement did not set out which expressways would receive them or a timetable for installation.
The minister said Malaysia is prioritising a National Intelligent Traffic Management Centre to bring together live monitoring, data analysis and traffic-management coordination. Another proposed component is multi-lane free-flow toll collection, designed to let vehicles pass toll plazas without stopping at barriers. That would change the experience of drivers using equipped roads, although the government has yet to give the proposal final approval.
Approval and the existing traffic-monitoring network
Highway concessionaires and industry partners are refining a business-to-business model under the oversight of the Malaysian Highway Authority, according to Nanta’s statement. The work covers technological and commercial viability, compatibility between systems, payment integration, data security and consumer protection. Technical, operational and legal preparations are being finalised before the proposal is submitted to the government for consideration and final approval.
Malaysia already operates some smart-road infrastructure. In a 9 September account, the Ministry of Works said a traffic control centre for IJM’s toll-road group had been launched to cover BESRAYA, NPE and LEKAS. The ministry described the wider national effort as guided by the Malaysian Intelligent Transport Systems Roadmap 2030.
The ministry also said the Malaysian Highway Authority’s traffic management centre monitored roads around the clock using 873 CCTV cameras and 278 variable-message signs. Those existing systems provide context for Nanta’s proposed expansion; the 19 October announcement sets a target for at least half of the country’s expressways, with its scope and implementation still subject to the approval process.
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Sources and context
- Malaysia wants at least half its highways equipped with smart techThe Straits Times (report carries a BERNAMA credit)
- Kesan insiden lebih awal, bantuan lebih pantasMinistry of Works Malaysia (KKR)
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.