LPT3 planned as public-private partnership with bidder-funded development
The proposed 122km expressway would link Kampung Gemuruh in Terengganu with Tunjong in Kelantan, with RFP documents now being prepared.
East Coast Expressway Phase 3 (LPT3) is to be developed through a public-private partnership, with all development costs borne by the successful bidder, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said. The project will use competitive bidding or a request for proposal (RFP) process.
Addressing the Dewan Rakyat on Oct 27, Nanta said the Public Private Partnership Unit had received the statement of needs and was preparing RFP documents. The documents would then go to the Cabinet for its consideration and decision. The unit is within the Prime Minister’s Department.
He said the proposed route would supplement LPT1 and LPT2, linking Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan. His remarks came during the policy-stage winding-up for the Works Ministry on the Supply Bill 2027 (Budget 2027).
Nanta identified keeping the Central Spine Road (LTU) and Kota Bharu-Kuala Krai Highway (KBKK) on schedule as the government’s current priority. He reported physical progress of 78.80% for the 70.4km KBKK, where the Pasir Hor-Kadok stretch was finished. Work on the other five packages continued, with completion expected in 2027.
In Kelantan, the LTU’s 10 sub-packages between Kuala Krai and Gua Musang, worth RM3.08 billion, are expected to be finished by 2028. Procurement for a replacement contractor for delayed Sections 3B and 3C in Package 3 was nearing its final stage, he said.
Nanta said the target was to issue the letter of acceptance by mid-November 2026, conditional on Finance Ministry approval, allowing work to restart under the revised schedule.
He also reported completion of four packages on the 706km Pan Borneo Highway Sabah. The other 31 are targeted to finish progressively by 2030. Physical progress was 89.54% for Phase 1A and 25.53% for Phase 1B.
