LPT3 RFP Expected This Year, Toll Rates Not Defined

What Is LPT3?

LPT3 (Lebuhraya Pantai Timur 3) is a planned toll highway extension of the East Coast Expressway network in Malaysia. The project is overseen by the Malaysian Ministry of Works, with the Request for Proposal (RFP) process expected to conclude in 2026. Toll rates for the highway have not yet been defined, according to Deputy Works Minister Ahmad Maslan. The highway aims to improve connectivity along the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, reducing travel time and supporting economic development in the region.

The LPT3 project is the third phase of the East Coast Highway system, following LPT1 (Gombak–Kuala Terengganu) and LPT2 (Kuala Terengganu–Kota Bharu). While LPT1 and LPT2 are operational toll roads, LPT3 is still in the procurement stage. The exact route length, construction cost, and completion timeline remain unspecified, as the RFP process is ongoing. Malaysian motorists and logistics operators anticipate that LPT3 will further ease congestion on federal roads and provide a faster alternative for travel between the east coast states and the northern region.

Key Facts

When Will the LPT3 RFP Be Completed?

The Request for Proposal (RFP) for LPT3 is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, as confirmed by Deputy Works Minister Ahmad Maslan. The exact date has not been announced, but the process is currently underway.

According to a report by Paul Tan's Automotive News (paultan.org) dated 9 July 2026, Ahmad Maslan stated that the RFP process is on track to conclude within the year. The RFP will determine the private concessionaire responsible for designing, building, financing, operating, and maintaining the highway. No further details on the number of bidders or the evaluation criteria have been disclosed. The completion of the RFP is a critical milestone before construction can begin.

"The RFP for LPT3 is expected to be completed this year, but toll rates have not been defined yet."

— Ahmad Maslan, Deputy Works Minister, as reported by paultan.org (9 July 2026)

What Are the Toll Rates for LPT3?

Toll rates for LPT3 have not been defined, and no official estimate has been provided by the Ministry of Works. The rates will be determined after the RFP process and subsequent negotiations with the appointed concessionaire.

In Malaysia, toll rates for new highways are typically set based on the concession agreement, which factors in construction cost, traffic volume projections, and government subsidies. For comparison, LPT1 and LPT2 currently charge between RM0.10 and RM0.20 per kilometre for passenger cars, depending on the section. However, LPT3 rates may differ due to updated cost structures. Motorists should expect a formal announcement once the concessionaire is appointed and the toll rate formula is finalised.

How Will LPT3 Benefit Malaysian Motorists?

LPT3 is expected to reduce travel time between Kota Bharu and the northern border area (Rantau Panjang) by providing a high-speed, divided highway alternative to the existing federal roads. It will also support logistics and tourism along the east coast.

The highway is part of the government's plan to improve connectivity in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER). Currently, the route from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang (approximately 40 km) uses two-lane federal roads that are often congested with heavy vehicles. LPT3 would offer a safer, faster option. For Malaysian users, especially those living in Kelantan or travelling to Thailand via the Rantau Panjang border checkpoint, the highway will cut journey times significantly. The project also aligns with the national agenda to boost economic growth in less-developed states.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

LPT3 is primarily for long-distance motorists, logistics companies, and tourists travelling between the east coast states and the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia. It is also relevant for residents of Kelantan who commute to the border area for trade or work.

Unlike urban highways in the Klang Valley, LPT3 serves a rural and semi-urban corridor. The ideal user includes:

• Commercial trucking operators moving goods between Kota Bharu and the Thailand border.
• Private car owners making weekend trips to Rantau Panjang or further north.
• Tourists using the East Coast route to access beaches and islands in Terengganu and Kelantan.

The highway will be designed for Malaysian tropical conditions, with proper drainage and heat-resistant asphalt. It will comply with local road standards (JKR specifications) and include rest areas with basic amenities.

Common Questions

Will LPT3 connect to LPT2?

Yes, LPT3 is planned as a continuation of LPT2, extending from Kota Bharu towards Rantau Panjang near the Malaysia-Thailand border. The exact interchange design will be finalised during the detailed engineering phase.

When will construction of LPT3 begin?

Construction is expected to start after the RFP is completed and a concessionaire is appointed, likely in 2027 or later. No official start date has been announced.

Will LPT3 have a toll plaza like other Malaysian highways?

Yes, LPT3 will be a tolled highway. The toll collection system (likely electronic toll collection via Touch 'n Go or RFID) will be implemented, but the exact toll rate and plaza locations are not yet defined.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single primary source: the paultan.org article titled "LPT3 RFP Expected This Year, Toll Rates Not Defined" published on 9 July 2026. The article quotes Deputy Works Minister Ahmad Maslan. No other external sources were used. All facts regarding LPT1 and LPT2 are based on publicly available information from the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM). Currency is in Malaysian Ringgit (RM) as reported. No conversions were necessary. This article was last updated on 10 July 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the cited source and general knowledge of the East Coast Highway network.