Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Maju Expressway


The Maju Expressway (MEX; Lebuhraya Maju), designated as E20, is a 26-kilometre (16 mi) controlled-access toll highway in Malaysia's that connects eastern at the Kampung Pandan Interchange to the southern administrative hub of and the technology park via interchanges with the Putrajaya Highway and Cyberjaya Link. Constructed between 2004 and 2007, it provides the shortest direct route from the capital to these destinations, alleviating traffic on parallel federal routes like the and enhancing urban mobility for over 100,000 daily vehicles. Operated by Maju Expressway Sdn Bhd, a of Maju Holdings, the expressway features modern infrastructure including multi-lane carriageways and , earning recent international acclaim for its pristine condition during a 2025 presidential that highlighted Malaysia's standards. Notably, the concessionaire's efforts to extend the route via the Maju Expressway Extension (MEX II) to have been mired in financial distress and legal probes, including charges of criminal breach of trust and against executives for alleged misuse of funds raised in 2016, stalling the 16 km addition despite initial plans.

History

Planning and Construction

The Maju Expressway was conceived in the mid-1990s amid escalating in , driven by rapid and the development of as Malaysia's , necessitating a dedicated high-capacity link between the cities. The project aligned with the Malaysian government's push for public-private partnerships () in infrastructure to leverage private capital and expertise, minimizing direct public funding amid booming economic growth. The concession was awarded to Maju Expressway Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Maju Holdings owned by Tan Sri Abu Sahid Mohamed, in October 1997 under a 33-year operation agreement, emphasizing private financing through future revenues rather than upfront outlays. prioritized elevated viaducts and interchanges to optimize in densely populated southern corridors, such as near and , where at-grade alignments were infeasible due to existing developments and projected daily traffic volumes exceeding 100,000 vehicles. The halted progress, leading to project deferral in December 1998 as funding dried up and economic priorities shifted. Reactivation occurred in July 2002 following economic recovery, with groundbreaking initiating the 26 km route's core elevated structures designed for dual three-lane carriageways to accommodate high-speed travel and interurban connectivity. decisions focused on modular using precast segments for efficiency, enabling phased building around ongoing urban expansion while integrating ramps to federal routes like the Kuala Lumpur-Seremban Expressway.

Opening and Initial Operations

The Maju Expressway officially opened on December 5, 2007, after delays stemming from the that postponed construction following the initial concession agreement signed in October 1997. Spanning 26 kilometers, it linked the Kampung Pandan Interchange on Jalan Tun Razak in to , providing a direct elevated route designed to bypass congested surface roads and integrate with the Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2) and other arterial highways. Initial operations emphasized seamless integration into Kuala Lumpur's urban network, with the expressway employing an open toll collection system to minimize delays at entry and exit points. Traffic control relied on basic surveillance via closed-circuit television cameras and vehicle detectors as part of the initial Traffic Control and Surveillance System (TCSS), enabling operators to monitor flow and respond to incidents without advanced metering technologies at launch. Early usage patterns reflected its role in diverting southbound traffic from the city center, though specific pre- and post-opening congestion metrics from independent studies remain limited in public records; anecdotal reports noted improved accessibility to Putrajaya amid growing administrative and commuter demand. Operational adjustments in the first years focused on toll plaza efficiency and minor ramp optimizations to handle peak-hour volumes, which quickly approached design capacities given the expressway's positioning as a primary corridor to the new federal administrative hub. No major disruptions were reported during this phase, allowing the route to establish itself as a key alleviator of bottlenecks on legacy paths like the .

Expansions and Upgrades

In response to increasing traffic volumes from urban expansion in the , the Maju Expressway operator added the interchange (Exit 2004A) at kilometer 16.5, connecting to Federal Route B16 (Jalan Seri Kembangan). This opened to traffic on January 13, 2016, enhancing access for local traffic between the expressway, Damansara-Puchong Expressway, and Besraya Expressway without requiring major reconstruction of the existing alignment. To further address capacity constraints and integrate the expressway with the broader southern corridor network, construction began in 2016 on the Maju Expressway Extension (MEX II), an 18 km three-lane linking the interchange to the (KLIA) Expressway. The project, initially targeted for completion by December 2019, aimed to reduce congestion on the original 26 km segment by providing direct airport access and diverting long-haul traffic from and . By March 2023, progress reached 89%, but financial disputes and cashflow shortfalls halted work, leaving structures incomplete near . As of 2025, the , through the Works Ministry, is finalizing arrangements to resume and complete MEX II under the 13th Plan, prioritizing involvement without direct to mitigate ongoing economic risks from the stalled extension. Maju Expressway Sdn Bhd continues routine maintenance on the core alignment, including periodic inspections and repairs funded via toll revenues, though no large-scale reinforcement for structural wear has been publicly detailed beyond standard concession obligations.

Route Description

Overall Layout and Length

The Maju Expressway (MEX), designated E20, measures 26 kilometers in total length and functions as a key tolled corridor linking Kuala Lumpur's city center to , with onward connectivity to and (KLIA). It primarily serves as a route, diverting from congested surface arterials in the to streamline regional travel. The expressway aligns generally southeastward from its northern origin, traversing dense urban and suburban zones before terminating near , thereby supporting bidirectional flow across its full extent. Comprising roughly 10 kilometers of elevated viaducts and 16 kilometers of at-grade sections, the layout accommodates high-density surroundings while maintaining controlled-access standards. This configuration positions the MEX as an efficient alternative to non-tolled roads, where typical commutes from central to —potentially exceeding 45 minutes amid peak-hour delays on alternatives—can often be halved through its direct path.

Major Segments and Connections

The Maju Expressway (E20) comprises three primary linear segments that facilitate efficient north-south connectivity across the , integrating urban access in with regional links to administrative and airport hubs. The northern segment originates at the Kampung Pandan Interchange in Ampang and extends southward through densely populated areas, interfacing with Jalan Tun Razak to connect directly to city arterials such as those serving the . This approximately 8 km stretch emphasizes rapid ingress from central , reducing reliance on congested surface roads by providing elevated ramps that link to the Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2, E10) at the Tun Razak Interchange. The central segment, spanning roughly 10 km, features predominantly elevated viaducts traversing residential and commercial zones including and , designed to maintain high-speed traffic flow (up to 110 km/h) while minimizing land acquisition and surface-level disruptions in flood-prone lowlands. These structures incorporate piers and spans engineered for seismic and hydrological stability, drawing on regional data to elevate roadways above typical flood levels, thereby enhancing reliability during seasonal heavy rains that affect adjacent routes. Key interlinks here include free-flow junctions to the Sungai Besi Expressway (BESRAYA) and New Pantai Expressway, bolstering circumferential access around southern and alleviating pressure on parallel arterials like the (KESAS). The southern segment, covering about 8 km, transitions to ground-level alignments approaching the Putrajaya administrative precinct, terminating at the Interchange and enabling direct progression to Cyberjaya's technology parks and onward to (KLIA) via the Elite Highway. This portion optimizes logistics for government and commuter traffic by integrating with the Kuala Lumpur-Putrajaya Link, providing a protocol route that bypasses urban bottlenecks and supports peak daily volumes exceeding 170,000 vehicles. Overall, these segments interconnect with national infrastructure to form a backbone for western Peninsular Malaysia's mobility, reducing travel times from to to under 20 minutes under free-flow conditions.

Engineering and Features

Structural Design

The Maju Expressway's elevated spans predominantly utilize segments and crossheads, facilitating rapid on-site assembly and reduced interference with underlying urban traffic flows. This approach was particularly applied in sections spanning busy roadways, where traditional cast-in-place methods would have prolonged disruptions and increased logistical complexities. Structural elements are designed to accommodate substantial daily traffic loads, with recorded average daily volumes surpassing 176,000 vehicles in , reflecting capacities engineered for urban commuting demands. While Malaysia's low seismic risk minimizes earthquake-specific reinforcements, designs incorporate wind load resistances suited to tropical conditions, ensuring stability against gusts and vibrations from heavy vehicular passage. Interchange configurations include trumpet types for high-volume T-junction connections, such as those linking to the Kuala Lumpur-Putrajaya Highway, optimized via traffic modeling to streamline merges and minimize congestion bottlenecks. These selections prioritize efficient geometry for elevated urban environments over more complex alternatives. The private build-operate-transfer concession model underpinning construction expedited rollout by bypassing protracted public tender processes, enabling direct private investment in durable precast systems that emphasize long-term load-bearing integrity amid Malaysia's humid, high-traffic context.

Safety and Monitoring Systems

The Maju Expressway features a Traffic Control and Surveillance Centre (TCSC) that oversees a comprehensive monitoring network, including closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras positioned at key locations along the route to provide continuous visual oversight of traffic conditions and potential hazards. Vehicle detectors embedded in the pavement collect real-time data on traffic volume, speed, and occupancy, enabling operators to identify congestion or anomalies promptly. Variable message signs (VMS) are deployed to relay dynamic advisories to drivers, such as warnings for incidents, speed limits, or lane closures, supporting proactive traffic management. These elements of the Traffic Control and Surveillance System (TCSS) have been integral since the expressway's operational phases in the late 1990s. Emergency response capabilities include dedicated hotline services reachable at 03-8315 9111 for immediate assistance, complemented by an Unit conducting regular s to enforce safety protocols and address breakdowns or minor incidents. While specific accident reduction metrics for the Maju Expressway are not publicly detailed, Malaysian operators, including those managing similar TCSS implementations, report sustained lower incident severities attributable to rapid detection and intervention, with and aiding in securing and diversion compared to unregulated urban arterials lacking equivalent oversight. Emergency telephone booths, standard on Malaysian tolled s every approximately 2 kilometers, facilitate direct operator contact for stranded motorists, integrating with the TCSC for coordinated dispatch. Recent enhancements to the TCSC incorporate from detectors and CCTV feeds for improved incident logging, though advanced for structural maintenance remain limited to routine empirical reviews of collision patterns rather than fully automated . This setup prioritizes response over predictive modeling, aligning with broader Malaysian practices where has correlated with stabilized accident indices on monitored corridors versus non-expressway networks.

Tolls and Financial Operations

Collection Methods and Technology

The Maju Expressway operates an open system, with collection enforced at specific plazas positioned at major entry and exit points, including Salak South in the north, in the central segment, and in the south. These locations require payments for traversed sections rather than a barrier-to-barrier model, facilitating targeted enforcement while allowing free flow between plazas. Full (ETC) was implemented across MEX plazas on January 13, 2016, replacing manual cash lanes with automated options using contactless smart cards and radio-frequency identification (RFID) transponders. This transition enabled dedicated ETC lanes, reducing vehicle stoppage times and congestion during peak hours by automating deduction from prepaid cards or linked accounts. In August 2023, the toll plaza pioneered contactless debit and payments (MyDebit, , ) via RFID readers, expanding beyond and to broaden user options while maintaining electronic verification. These RFID-based systems process transactions in seconds—near-instant for versus up to 13 seconds for cards—yielding higher throughput rates and lower evasion through real-time tracking and deduction enforcement. Overall, adoption has stabilized revenue by minimizing fraud and cash-handling overheads, as evidenced by broader Malaysian highway data showing reduced administrative costs and queuing delays post-implementation.

Toll Rate Structure

The toll rates on the Maju Expressway are structured according to Malaysian vehicle classifications and vary by toll plaza to reflect distance-based usage, with charges collected at and points via a system. As of October 2025, following the government's postponement of concession-agreed increases, the rates for key plazas are as detailed below, applicable to one-way trips.
Toll PlazaClass 1 (Cars, 2 axles/3-4 wheels)Class 2 (Vans/small goods, 2 axles/5-6 wheels)Class 3 (Heavy vehicles, 3+ axles)Class 4 (Taxis)Class 5 (Buses)
RM 3.50RM 7.00RM 10.50RM 1.80RM 2.50
Salak SelatanRM 2.00RM 4.00RM 6.00RM 1.00RM 1.50
RM 2.20RM 4.40RM 6.60RM 1.10RM 2.20
These rates tie revenue directly to vehicular volume and segment usage, supporting operational sustainability amid rising maintenance demands from . Rate adjustments occur periodically under regulatory oversight by the Malaysian Highway Authority, with historical hikes—such as the 2015 increase to RM 3.50 for 1 vehicles at major plazas—justified by escalated construction amortization, inflation, and traffic growth data exceeding initial projections. A planned 2025 escalation to approximately RM 6.00 for certain 1 segments was deferred by compensation to concessionaires, preserving current to mitigate user burden amid economic pressures. Electronic toll collection (ETC) systems, including RFID and Touch 'n Go integration mandatory since 2023, enable rebate programs and expedite transactions, correlating with observed reductions in queuing times and higher compliance rates that enhance throughput. Promotional ETC-linked discounts, such as occasional 15% rebates, further incentivize adoption, aligning revenue with efficient, usage-driven collection.

Ownership, Financing, and Recent Economic Challenges

The Maju Expressway operates under a build-operate-transfer concession agreement awarded to Maju Expressway Sdn Bhd (MESB) in 1997 by the Malaysian government, granting the company rights to construct, operate, and collect tolls for over 30 years before transferring ownership back to the state. MESB, the primary concessionaire, is a of Maju Holdings Sdn Bhd, which is wholly owned by Tan Sri Abu Sahid Mohamed, enabling mobilization of resources for the initial 52 km highway linking to . This debt-financed model, reliant on toll revenues for repayment, facilitated expedited delivery without direct taxpayer funding, underscoring the efficiency of private initiative in infrastructure development over protracted public processes. Financing has centered on sukuk issuances through MEX Capital, which owns 96.8% of MESB and channels expressway cash flows to service obligations, with toll collections providing stable inflows despite periodic economic fluctuations. Post-2020, the core asset maintained operational viability amid broader fiscal strains, as evidenced by RAM Ratings' upgrade of MEX Capital's to AA2/ in August 2025, attributed to robust volumes averaging over 200,000 vehicles daily and revenue growth exceeding 10% year-on-year. These metrics affirm the underlying value of the original concession, where private operation has sustained maintenance and upgrades without recurrent government bailouts, in contrast to state-managed highways prone to underinvestment. Recent economic challenges, intensified since 2022, arise from Maju Group's aggressive expansion into the MEX II extension, where RM1.3 billion in debt was secured in 2016 via bonds and , yet only RM30 million remained by mid-2025 amid construction halts. Delays in completing the 26 km segment to KLIA, stalled at 89% progress due to liquidity shortfalls, reflect overextension and internal mismanagement rather than systemic inefficiencies, as the primary highway continues generating sufficient cash flows. investigations launched in April 2025 uncovered alleged false claims totaling RM416 million and bribery in project funding, alongside charges against Abu Sahid involving RM352 million, exposing governance lapses in extension approvals. These probes, involving over 60 witnesses by July 2025, underscore government regulatory shortcomings in supplementary concessions, which permitted unchecked borrowing without adequate progress milestones, thereby risking public resources for private overreach while preserving the core expressway's proven fiscal model.

Controversies

Structural Defects and Noise Pollution

The Maju Expressway's elevated sections, particularly near , have undergone periodic structural assessments due to concerns over potential material fatigue from traffic loads and environmental exposure. In 2019, Evenfit Consult Sdn. Bhd. conducted inspections and evaluations of segmental box girders along the route, identifying areas requiring maintenance to prevent progression of minor defects common in structures under sustained heavy vehicle usage. Similarly, between 2018 and 2019, VSL Construction executed bridge preservation, repair, and upgrading works on the MEX network in , focusing on reinforcing elements to address wear from operational stresses without evidence of widespread failure. Noise pollution emerged as a key resident concern in the early operational phase, stemming from the proximity of the to densely populated areas like , where heavy traffic generates levels from tire-road interaction and engine noise. Engineering analyses incorporated noise modeling during to predict impacts, leading to the of barriers along affected stretches to attenuate transmission to adjacent residences. These interventions, including raised alignments in sensitive zones, aligned with regulatory standards for highway externalities, though specific pre- and post-installation decibel reductions have not been publicly quantified beyond verification. Remediation efforts for both structural and acoustic issues reflect standard practices for aging urban expressways, where localized —such as and barrier additions—has maintained operational integrity without necessitating major overhauls or closures. Such challenges, attributable to variables like mix variability and cumulative loading, are prevalent in similar elevated infrastructures globally and have been effectively managed on the MEX through proactive , averting escalation to systemic risks.

Motorcycle Usage Prohibition

The Maju Expressway initially prohibited usage upon its opening on December 13, 2007, with the formally enforced on January 31, 2008, by then-Works Minister Datuk Seri S. , citing incompatibility between and the highway's high-speed design featuring controlled merges and elevated sections. , lacking the and protective of larger , exhibited heightened vulnerability to accidents in environments demanding rapid acceleration and precise maneuvering at speeds exceeding 100 km/h, as evidenced by early operational concerns over lane discipline and collision risks during entry and exit ramps. This restriction aligned with the highway's original gazettement under subsection 70(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which permitted operators to limit access for safety reasons on elevated and urban expressways. However, in June 2008, temporary exemption was granted by then-Works Minister Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed to alleviate in Kuala Lumpur's core, allowing motorcycles toll-free usage despite persistent design mismatches. From 2008 to 2015, this policy correlated with 382 recorded crashes involving motorcycles on the 26 km stretch, resulting in 15 fatalities, underscoring the causal link between permissive access and elevated incident rates in a corridor optimized for four-wheeled flows. Enforcement efforts resurfaced in amid operator appeals and toll-payer complaints about spatial constraints and safety hazards, with concessionaires highlighting motorcycles as a primary contributor on the Maju Expressway and Ampang-Kuala Lumpur . Empirical data from this period revealed disproportionate per-incident severity compared to non-motorcycle crashes, with vulnerability amplified by factors such as side winds on viaducts and reduced in merges, favoring reinstatement for over broader access. While motorcyclist groups contested prohibitions on grounds of equitable in a motorcycle-dependent urban context—representing over 50% of daily road users in —causal evidence prioritizes systemic stability, as permissive policies on similar controlled-access routes elsewhere in yield 2-3 times higher motorcycle fatality densities per kilometer traveled than restricted equivalents. Ongoing debates reflect tension between inclusion and empirical safety outcomes, yet operator insistence and accident statistics affirm the prohibition's rationale in preserving throughput and reducing severe incidents, with no full reinstatement enacted by 2025 despite periodic reviews.

MEX II Extension Project Scandals

The MEX II extension, planned as a 20.2 km southern continuation of the Maju Expressway from to (KLIA), aimed to alleviate congestion on Federal Route 5 and enhance airport connectivity but has been stalled amid allegations since construction halted around 2019. Concessionaire MEX II Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Maju Holdings, secured the project under the 11th Plan but faced a notice of default in January 2022 due to funding shortfalls, leaving the highway approximately 89% complete by mid-2025 despite RM1.3 billion raised via issuance in 2016 specifically for its financing. Investigations by the (MACC) exposed procurement irregularities, including false claims totaling RM361 million and undisclosed discrepancies amounting to RM416 million, which inflated project costs and diverted funds from completion. These stemmed from fabricated invoices and progress reports submitted to financiers, enabling unauthorized disbursements that exacerbated liabilities nearing RM1.7 billion by 2025, with only RM30 million remaining in reserves despite the bond proceeds. Former MEX II director Datuk Yap Wee Leong faced 17 counts of forgery in September 2025 for endorsing RM314.5 million in fictitious payment claims linked to contractors, while MACC's probes into involved 61 witnesses by July 2025, revealing systemic overbilling in subcontractor awards often tied to politically connected firms. Criminal charges crystallized in September 2025 against Maju Holdings figures, including director Abu Sahid Mohamed, a in Malaysia's concession landscape, who pleaded not guilty to four counts of criminal breach of trust () involving RM313 million and 13 counts of totaling RM139 million from the sukuk funds between 2017 and 2019. Abu Sahid was accused of misusing proceeds for personal and unrelated purposes, such as property acquisitions, under Section 409 of the Penal Code and anti-money laundering laws, with additional probes into RM452 million in broader CBT linked to project mismanagement. and others faced parallel charges for abuse of position, contributing to delays that have persisted into 2025, as proceedings and asset seizures—including RM32 million in —further impeded revival efforts. MACC chief indicated nine more individuals, including executives, would face prosecution, underscoring the scandal's depth in crony-driven where concession ties to influential networks prioritized opaque dealings over fiscal accountability. These revelations have eroded investor confidence in similar public-private concessions, as the project's politicized oversight—evident in repeated interventions to revive it under the 13th Plan—exposed vulnerabilities to insider abuse rather than inherent flaws in toll-based financing models. Empirical discrepancies in claimed versus verified expenditures, exceeding hundreds of millions in ringgit, highlight how in tender processes and lax regulatory enforcement prolonged the stalemate, with unfinished segments near symbolizing broader inefficiencies in 's mega-project governance. Ongoing MACC actions, including potential further charges under the MACC Act, emphasize the need for depoliticized, transparent bidding to mitigate such recurrent failures in extensions.

Interchanges and Junctions

Exit List and Interchange Details

The Maju Expressway (E20) comprises six primary interchanges, sequenced from its northern terminus in Kuala Lumpur to the southern terminus near Putrajaya, spanning approximately 26 km. Exit numbering follows the Malaysian convention for urban expressways, prefixed with 20xx to denote the E20 route. All interchanges facilitate connections to federal routes and adjacent highways, with the expressway primarily configured as a dual three-lane carriageway per direction, though specific ramp capacities vary by junction design.
ExitNameKilometer Marker (approx.)Connections and DestinationsNotes
2001Kampung Pandan Interchange0Jalan Tun Razak (northbound to city center), (east to Ampang), Federal Route 1Northern terminus; partial access ramps from arterial roads; no southbound from mainline.
2002Salak South Interchange~2Jalan Kuchai Lama (west to ), Jalan Puchong (southwest to )Full diamond-style interchange providing bidirectional access; precedes main toll collection.
2003Sungai Besi Interchange~5 (east to Cheras), E2 (south to )Links to major southern corridor; supports high-volume traffic with slip ramps to E2.
2004Bukit Jalil Interchange~10Jalan Bukit Jalil (south to National Stadium), E9 (KESAS, west to )Major multi-level junction with direct ties to sporting and residential areas; handles significant commuter flow.
2004ASeri Kembangan Interchange~12Persiaran Serdang Perdana (to town center), Federal Route 54 (to )Added post-initial construction; operational since January 13, 2016, as a partial cloverleaf to alleviate local congestion without full mainline disruption.
2005Putrajaya Interchange~26Persiaran Persekutuan (to administrative center), Federal Route 29 (to )Southern terminus; connects to government precinct and tech hub; includes links to planned extensions toward KLIA.
Toll collection occurs primarily at Salak South Plaza (after Exit 2001) for southbound traffic and equivalent northbound points, with electronic systems integrated across interchanges. No major post-2020 structural modifications to interchanges have been implemented, though routine addresses elevated sections.

Impact and Assessment

Economic and Traffic Benefits

The Maju Expressway facilitates substantial time savings for commuters traveling between and or , reducing peak-period journeys that formerly exceeded one hour to approximately 20 minutes. This efficiency gain supports administrative functions in , Malaysia's federal administrative center, and enhances connectivity to 's technology hub within the Multimedia Super Corridor, thereby promoting and productivity in these key economic nodes. In terms of traffic throughput, the expressway manages an average daily volume of approximately 143,000 vehicles under baseline projections, with pre-pandemic figures reaching 146,000 vehicles per day in 2019. This capacity alleviates pressure on parallel surface roads, such as , enabling smoother regional flow and indirect reductions in urban congestion spillover effects. Operated privately through Maju Expressway Sdn Bhd without government subsidies, the exemplifies self-sustaining , where revenues cover operational and costs, ensuring long-term viability independent of funding. This model has underpinned consistent traffic growth prior to external disruptions, underscoring the causal link between dedicated expressway access and sustained in the Klang Valley corridor.

Criticisms, Safety Record, and Long-Term Viability

Criticisms of the Maju Expressway have centered on rates, with users and political figures arguing that fees impose a burden on commuters in the Kuala Lumpur-Putrajaya corridor, particularly amid rising and living costs. However, these concerns must be weighed against the economic costs of on alternative free urban roads, where delays can equate to hours lost per trip and higher indirect expenses like vehicle wear; the user-pays model of tolled expressways promotes fiscal by shifting from taxpayers to direct beneficiaries, avoiding the subsidization pitfalls seen in underfunded public roads. The expressway's safety record reflects Malaysia's broader road challenges, with incidents including multi-vehicle crashes and fires reported periodically, such as a fatal collision involving reckless speeding and a 2025 tour bus blaze with no casualties. Motorcycle-related accidents have drawn attention, prompting discussions of usage restrictions after fatalities linked to bikers were noted, though of speed limits and bans on certain vehicles appears to drive outcomes more than inherent design flaws. Compared to urban roads, expressways like the MEX exhibit lower per-vehicle fatality risks due to controlled access, absence of crossings, and barriers, countering alarmist narratives; indicate expressway crashes, while increasing in volume with traffic, often involve fewer severe injuries per incident than mixed urban environments plagued by intersections and informal traffic. Long-term viability remains strong for the core MEX route, bolstered by consistent traffic growth exceeding projections and revenue outperformance that led to a rating upgrade to AA2 in 2025, signaling financial stability through at least the concession's remaining term. Ongoing maintenance, including bridge preservation efforts, addresses wear from high usage, with privatized highway models projecting 20-40 years of service under standard upgrades; while extensions like MEX II face delays from funding shortfalls, the primary alignment's resilience—evidenced by no systemic structural failures—ensures sustained utility amid rising regional demand, provided enforcement and periodic resurfacing continue.

References

  1. [1]
    Maju Expressway, MEX Expressway (E20) - klia2.info
    Oct 23, 2017 · Length, 26.0 km (16.2 mi) ; Existed, 2004 – present ; History, Completed in 2007 ; North End, Kampung Pandan Interchange.
  2. [2]
    E20: Maju Expressway (MEX) - Penang Travel Tips
    Construction of the Maju Expressway began in 2004, and it was completed in 2007. It has a length of 26 kilometers (16.2 miles). Toll is collected at the Salak ...
  3. [3]
    Maju Expressway Sdn Bhd
    Express route linking KL City Centre with Putrajaya, Cyberjaya and KLIA. Read More Comfort Ensures a comfortable travel with advanced facilities and complete ...
  4. [4]
  5. [5]
  6. [6]
    Malaysian tycoon faces graft charges as stalled KL airport highway ...
    Sep 8, 2025 · Maju Holdings director Abu Sahid Mohamed was charged on Sept 8 with four counts of criminal breach of trust and 13 counts of money laundering.
  7. [7]
    MEX II Scandal Explained & Case Study in Mega Project Money ...
    Sep 16, 2025 · MEX II aimed to extend the Maju Expressway (MEX) directly to KLIA. In 2016, MEX II Sdn Bhd raised RM1.3 billion sukuk bonds. The plan ...<|separator|>
  8. [8]
    Four convictions give insight into how Maju Holdings trial may run
    Oct 14, 2025 · The four men charged are Datuk Lim Kim Hai, Lee Keng Long, Chan Chee Kong and Ang Teck Ann. All pleaded guilty to not reporting bribes received, ...
  9. [9]
    Maju Expressway (KL-Putrajaya Highway) Projects - Consultant HSS
    Only the stretch between Kuala Lumpur – Putrajaya (26km) was implemented. The remaining 16km from Putrajaya to KLIA was deferred to a later date. HSSI were the ...
  10. [10]
    the evolution, issues and challenges of public private partnership ...
    This concept paper will discuss the evolution of PPP in Malaysia and government's decisive role in the expressway sector development through PPP. Finally, it ...
  11. [11]
    Maju Expressway - Malaysia Today
    Mar 19, 2012 · ... Maju Expressway (MEX) toll concession to Maju Expressway Sdn Bhd ... The highway was first awarded in 1997 and the concession agreement ...
  12. [12]
    DEDICATED HIGHWAY – MAJU EXPRESSWAY (MEX) – HSS Group
    It was later reactivated in July 2002 and only the 26km stretch between Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya was implemented with the remaining 16km from Putrajaya to ...
  13. [13]
    Cover Story: The MEX mess - The Edge Malaysia
    May 22, 2025 · After raising RM1.3 billion in debt in 2016, Maju Group's MEX II now has just RM30 million left and an unfinished highway, leaving the government in a dilemma.
  14. [14]
    MAJU EXPRESSWAY (MEX) | formerly KL-Putrajaya Highway | E20
    Oct 8, 2005 · Opened in 1997, it closed the yawning gap between Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya with direct access to Bukit Jalil, Kuchai Lama and Kampung Pandan.
  15. [15]
    MEX Seri Kembangan interchange now operational - paultan.org
    Jan 14, 2016 · Maju Expressway (MEX) has announced that it began operations at the Seri Kembangan interchange (Exit 2004) yesterday, January 13.
  16. [16]
    [PDF] HIGHWAY
    The government of Malaysia has approved to construct one interchange at KM 16.5 connecting Maju Expressway and JKR B16 at Seri Kembangan. The project shall be.
  17. [17]
    Gov't working to revive MEX II Putrajaya-KLIA highway extension, to ...
    Aug 1, 2025 · The government has reiterated plans to revive the stalled Maju Expressway extension (MEX II), with the central agency currently finalising ...
  18. [18]
    Govt finalising talks to complete long-stalled MEX II project, says ...
    Jul 31, 2025 · MEX II, also known as the MEX extension, is a planned three-lane dual carriageway designed to link the MEX Putrajaya Interchange to the KLIA ...Missing: expansions upgrades
  19. [19]
    Govt Looking To Revive MEX II Highway With New Completion Plan
    Aug 1, 2025 · Originally set to be completed in December 2019, the 18-kilometre extension was designed to ease congestion on the existing MEX Expressway.
  20. [20]
    MEX II Listed Under 13MP As Project Nears 89% Completion Amid ...
    Sep 10, 2025 · The Maju Expressway II (MEX II), long troubled by financing and construction delays, has been listed among key infrastructure projects under ...Missing: date | Show results with:date
  21. [21]
    Troubled MEX II listed among key 13MP projects - Newswav
    Sep 10, 2025 · Other ongoing projects include the widening of the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway from Gombak to Bentong (1 per cent), and the New Pantai ...Missing: expansions | Show results with:expansions
  22. [22]
    Govt finalising talks on Mex II project, Dewan told | The Star
    Aug 3, 2025 · Mex II is a planned three-lane dual carriageway designed to connect the MEX Putrajaya interchange to the KLIA highway. The project began ...<|separator|>
  23. [23]
    Infrastructure - Maju Holdings
    Maju Expressway Sdn Bhd operates Maju Expressway (MEX) as a highway concession company, and is responsible for the construction, maintenance, management andMissing: reinforcement | Show results with:reinforcement
  24. [24]
    Maju Expressway (MEX) - MyTrip Malaysia 2025
    Rating 5.0 (3) Oct 7, 2025 · The Maju Expressway (MEX) is a vital urban artery, enhancing connectivity between Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Cyberjaya. Beyond its role in ...
  25. [25]
    Maju Expressway - lcct.com.my
    The new Maju Expressway bridges Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, and connects you to Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Cyberjaya and KLIA within minutes of each other!
  26. [26]
    Maju Expressway (MEX) toll rates to go up on Oct 15 - paultan.org
    Oct 12, 2015 · The E20, formerly known as the Kuala Lumpur-Putrajaya Expressway (KLPE), begins from the Kampung Pandan interchange and terminates at the ...<|separator|>
  27. [27]
    Maju Expressway, Malaysia - Hewson Consulting
    This major 42km highway project involved a challenging section constructed over a busy road underneath. The solution was to precast the crossheads and ...Missing: segments | Show results with:segments
  28. [28]
    Maju (MEX) Expressway -The fastest way links KL to 3 main cities of ...
    Jun 23, 2024 · It is an expressway that links Kuala Lumpur to three prominent locations of the country, Putrajaya, Cyberjaya and Kuala Lumpur International ...
  29. [29]
    RAM Ratings upgrades MEX Capital's sukuk to AA2 on traffic and ...
    Aug 22, 2025 · Its average daily traffic reached a historical high of 176,248 vehicles in 2024 (+8% y-o-y) and 173,470 for the first half of 2025. Continued ...
  30. [30]
    (PDF) A STUDY ON ELEVATED INTERCHANGE IN MALAYSIA
    c) The width of roundabout and ramps can be upgrade or adding a route across the roundabout. ... Maju Expressway (MEX). Initially, the researcher planned to ...
  31. [31]
    Highway to open link to KLIA - Kementerian Kerja Raya
    Jun 7, 2008 · THE Maju Expressway (MEX), formerly known as the KL- Putrajaya ... The expressway has rest areas, Traffic Control and Surveillance System (TCSS) ...
  32. [32]
    [PDF] SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2020 - PLUS Malaysia
    This has allowed us to keep the accident rate on our highways lower ... traffic system to reduce death and serious injuries related to road traffic ...
  33. [33]
    Malaysia highway network is "world class" – report - paultan.org
    Jun 28, 2017 · He also said that the highway concessionaires have ensured that there are emergency telephone booths every two kilometres, along with highway ...
  34. [34]
    [PDF] Assessment of Road Infrastructures Pertaining to Malaysian ...
    Based on the graph analysis against the accident rate, it can be conclude that the factors of road infrastructure can also cause of the accident. Figure 5 ...
  35. [35]
    Toll Rate For Seri Kembangan Toll Plaza, Maju Expressway ...
    May 13, 2016 · ... collection beginning 00:01 am, January 13, 2016 . ... Full Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) shall be implemented at the Seri Kembangan Toll ...
  36. [36]
    Ten toll plazas go cashless starting tomorrow including MEX, NPE ...
    Jan 12, 2016 · Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) will be implemented at 10 toll plazas on January 13. The toll plazas are located on the Maju Expressway ...
  37. [37]
    MEX Highway begins credit and debit card public trials - SoyaCincau
    Aug 3, 2023 · Maju Expressway (MEX Highway) will become the first highway in Malaysia to publicly support toll payment via credit and debit card starting today, 3 August.Missing: ETC | Show results with:ETC
  38. [38]
    MEX highway begins testing open toll payment using debit and ...
    Aug 3, 2023 · Motorists will be able to use debit and credit cards to pay for toll charges in addition to Touch 'n Go, SmartTag and radio frequency identification (RFID).
  39. [39]
  40. [40]
    [PDF] ELECTRONIC TOLL COLLECTION (ETC) SYSTEMS ... - PIARC
    The tag is a two-piece on-board unit where Infrared. Technology is used for DSRC communication and Touch 'n Go card for payment of the transportation charges.Missing: Maju | Show results with:Maju<|separator|>
  41. [41]
    List of Malaysia highway toll rates - PLUS, KLK, LPT, and others ...
    May 24, 2024 · List of Malaysia highway toll rates - PLUS, KLK, LPT, and others [ Updated 2025 ]. Published by Hafiz on 24 May 2024. Updated on 13 Feb 2025.
  42. [42]
    Govt postpones toll hikes for 10 highways: Including MEX, DUKE ...
    Jul 23, 2025 · The Malaysian government has decided to postpone toll hikes for 10 highways that are supposed to take place this year.<|separator|>
  43. [43]
    Toll Hike Postponement At 10 Highways To Benefit Nearly One ...
    Jul 29, 2025 · This is because the toll rate under the concession agreement for 2025 is RM6.90, but the current toll rate is being maintained at RM3.50 per one ...Missing: Maju | Show results with:Maju
  44. [44]
  45. [45]
    The Maju Expressway toll concession awarded to Tan Sri Abu Sahid ...
    Mar 19, 2012 · The highway was first awarded in 1997 and the concession agreement was amended by supplemental agreements in 1998, 2003 and 2006. The contents ...Missing: 1995 | Show results with:1995
  46. [46]
    Cover Story: Will Abu Sahid finally exit MEX? - The Edge Malaysia
    May 22, 2025 · Abu Sahid has been unable, however, to tap the finances of the 26km highway since 2022, following a restructuring that put bondholders in charge of the company.
  47. [47]
    [UPDATED] RM416mil false claims: Ex-Maju Holdings executive ...
    May 4, 2025 · The former head of finance at Maju Holdings has been remanded over the alleged submission of false claims amounting to RM416 million, ...
  48. [48]
    MEX Scandal: Tycoon Pleads Not Guilty To RM352 Million CBT And ...
    Sep 8, 2025 · Prominent businessman Tan Sri Abu Sahid Mohamed has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges involving the misuse of funds linked to the Maju ...Missing: operator | Show results with:operator
  49. [49]
    MACC calls 61 witnesses in MEX II project probe - NST Online
    Jul 3, 2025 · The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has summoned 61 witnesses in its ongoing investigation into the Maju Expressway (MEX II) extension project.
  50. [50]
    Projects | Evenfit Consult Sdn. Bhd.
    LIST OF PROJECTS ; INSPECTION & ASSESSMENT OF STRUCTURE FOR SEGMENTAL BOX GIRDERS ALONG MAJU EXPRESSWAY SDN BHD (MEX) FOR A YEAR 2019. MAJU EXPRESSWAY SDN BHD.
  51. [51]
    Bridge repairs and maintenance | VSL Construction Company
    MAJU EXPRESSWAY (MEX) NETWORK. KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia. 2018 -2019. See more. Bach Dang Bridge. Hai Phong City, Vietnam. 2016-2018. See more. NGUYEN VAN TROI - ...
  52. [52]
    MEX Highway KL Putrajaya
    Amongst one of the locations, the highway runs over an existing local road in Sri Petaling. From noise modeling we were able to design noise barriers to ensure ...Missing: pollution complaints
  53. [53]
    Gov't mulling re-enforcing motorbike ban on highways - paultan.org
    May 11, 2015 · The comments reflect strong opinions on banning or restricting motorcycles on highways, citing safety concerns, non-payment of tolls, and ...
  54. [54]
    Bikers to be banned from using MEX & Akleh highways?
    Since motorcycles were allowed to use both highways 7 years ago, a total of 382 road crashes involving bikers with 15 fatalities were recorded on MEX highway.
  55. [55]
    Highways want ban on motorcycles to be re-enforced
    May 10, 2015 · It is learnt that since 2008, toll-paying users have been complaining to the Akleh operator about limited and unsafe space due to a massive ...
  56. [56]
    Motorcycle pillion killed in crash on DASH
    Feb 26, 2025 · A woman was reported to be on a motorcycle with her husband, and has died in the incident after falling off the elevated highway.
  57. [57]
    RM1.3bil raised, but MEX II left incomplete with only RM30mil in the ...
    May 27, 2025 · As of 2024, the highway is reportedly 89% complete – a figure yet to be independently verified, the Edge reported. The project has since come ...
  58. [58]
    MACC probes bribery, false claims in MEX II highway project
    May 22, 2025 · The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said on Thursday it has opened three investigation papers into alleged bribery and false claims.
  59. [59]
    Former director charged with making RM314.5 mil worth of false ...
    Sep 8, 2025 · A former MEX II Sdn Bhd director, Datuk Yap Wee Leong, was charged with 17 counts of forgery involving RM314.5 million in false claims for ...Missing: operator controversies
  60. [60]
    Maju Holdings' director Abu Sahid charged with RM452m CBT and ...
    Sep 8, 2025 · Maju Holdings' director Abu Sahid charged with RM452m CBT and money laundering linked to MEX II project | Malay Mail.
  61. [61]
    Maju Holdings chairman charged with RM313mil CBT | FMT
    Sep 8, 2025 · Abu Sahid Mohamed is also accused of laundering some RM139 million, claiming trial to all 17 charges against him.
  62. [62]
    Azam Baki: Nine more to face charges over MEX II corruption
    The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today said nine more individuals will be prosecuted in connection with ...<|separator|>
  63. [63]
    MEX II Highway Investigation: 61 Witnesses Called - Azam Baki
    Jul 3, 2025 · The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has called 61 witnesses so far to assist in the investigation into the Maju Expressway (MEX II) extension ...Missing: cost | Show results with:cost
  64. [64]
    MyCen Directions: KL- Putrajaya Highway - Maju Expressway MEX
    ... (Kesas Highway to MRR2) • Putrajaya Link Interchange with entry and exit on the Putrajaya Link near LimKokWing in Cyberjaya. Contrary to popular belief, the ...
  65. [65]
    E20 (Malaysia) - AARoads Wiki
    Maju Expressway was planned to extend to KLIA by Dec 2019 and the route will be 18 km-long, three-lane dual carriageway and commence at Putrajaya Main ...Missing: planning 1990s
  66. [66]
    E20 Maju Expressway (MEX) - Transport Malaysia
    Mar 23, 2016 · It is located between Seri Kembangan and Putrajaya exit. The amenities include food court, toilet and surau. There is no petrol station at the ...
  67. [67]
    RAM Ratings assigns preliminary A2 rating to MEX Capital's ...
    Nov 6, 2020 · In line with the Highway's decelerating growth in the last couple of years, we expect its average daily traffic to clock in at 142,964 vehicles ...
  68. [68]
    RAM Ratings downgrades MEX Capital's sukuk rating to C3/Negative
    Mar 19, 2021 · ... traffic volumes along the Maju Expressway (MEX or the Highway). The ... vehicles in 2020 (2019: 145,987 vehicles). This had, in turn ...
  69. [69]
    Toll prices will not go up despite increase scheduled for 10 ...
    In 2023, it was reported that Malaysia was considering extending highway concession terms to 30 years to keep rates as they were, although ...
  70. [70]
    DAP dishonesty on tolls puts us on road to ruin - Free Malaysia Today
    Apr 29, 2018 · ... Maju Expressway Sdn Bhd has outstanding bank loans of close to RM1.6 ... Additionally, most of the existing toll highways in Malaysia ...Missing: affordability | Show results with:affordability
  71. [71]
    BMW speeding recklessly on MEX highway narrowly misses SUV ...
    Oct 26, 2023 · BMW speeding recklessly on MEX highway narrowly misses SUV, smashes into another, driver dies in crash ... With no speed cameras and a general ...
  72. [72]
    Tour bus and lorry destroyed in separate highway fires ... - The Vibes
    Jul 16, 2025 · Tour bus and lorry destroyed in separate highway fires, no casualties reported. All passengers escape safely after tour bus blaze on MEX Highway ...Missing: monitoring | Show results with:monitoring<|separator|>
  73. [73]
    [PDF] ATTRIBUTES TO HIGH-RISK LOCATIONS FOR ROAD ACCIDENTS ...
    Oct 4, 2023 · Expressways and highways showed a significant increase in the number of accident cases in Malaysia. For some expressways, the high-risk.
  74. [74]
    [PDF] Causation of Road Traffic Crash Severity on Malaysian Expressways
    Nov 1, 2020 · Each year, more than 1.35 million lives are scarified due to road traffic crashes, making it the 8th leading cause of death globally. (WHO, 2018) ...Missing: rates | Show results with:rates
  75. [75]
    [PDF] project viability framework for privatized highway - Eprint UTM
    The average concession period for various stretches of privatised toll highways are between 20 – 40 years. It is a long stretch of time, involving a long-term ...