Govt Moves to Revive Delayed MEX II Project

The long-delayed Maju Expressway extension project (MEX II), aimed at connecting Putrajaya to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), is back in the spotlight as the Malaysian government intensifies efforts to resolve critical issues stalling it.

According to Bernama, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi confirmed that his ministry will collaborate closely with relevant stakeholders to address the project’s persistent delays.

He went on to add, “MEX II, as everyone is aware, is facing challenges in reaching completion. However, the good news is that all relevant parties, including the Finance Ministry, the Works Ministry, and the Public Works Department, are working together to help resolve the issue.”

Construction on the 18 KM expressway began in 2016 and was originally scheduled for completion in 2019. The project has since been plagued by financial challenges, incomplete work, and more recently, legal scrutiny.

According to The Edge, the project was financed by RM1.3 billion in debt raised in 2016 by Maju Group, owned by tycoon Tan Sri Abu Sahid Mohamed. Now, nearly a decade later, only RM30 million remains - with RM29 million already pledged to banks - and the highway remains unfinished.

The MEX II project has been under receivership since May 2022, leaving bondholders in limbo and the government facing tough decisions.

Further complicating matters, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is currently investigating the concessionaire for allegedly submitting false claims amounting to RM416 million.

The parent expressway, the 26-KM Maju Expressway (MEX), which connects Kuala Lumpur to Putrajaya, has fulfilled its role as a critical transport artery since opening nearly 18 years ago. But its incomplete sibling, MEX II, remains a "thorn" for Maju Group and a lingering infrastructure puzzle for the government.

With government intervention stakeholders hope the long-stalled MEX II project can finally shift gears toward completion - provided that financial, legal, and operational hurdles can be overcome in time.