Bandar Malaysia-Seri Kembangan expressway to cost RM1.75bil

The proposed 8.2km Bandar Malaysia-Seri Kembangan Expressway (BSE) is set to link several major routes in Malaysia, including the KL-Seremban Expressway, MEX Highway, Sungai Besi Expressway, New Pantai Expressway, Kesas Highway, and the wider Sprint Highway network. The project, estimated to cost RM1.75 billion (excluding sales and service tax), is expected to take four years to complete, according to Lim Seong Hai Capital Bhd (LSH Capital).

LSH Capital, through its wholly-owned subsidiary LSH Infra Sdn Bhd and Pertama Makmur Sdn Bhd, will undertake the project under a privatization arrangement based on the "build-operate-transfer" model. The Cabinet has given the project a nod in principle, but final approval and the execution of the concession agreement are contingent upon the completion of detailed technical and financial studies and concession negotiations within the next 12 months.

Admittedly, the approval-in-principle does not obligate the government to move forward with the BSE project. The project aims to enhance connectivity, ease traffic congestion in the Greater Kuala Lumpur area, and offer an alternative route for motorists, thereby improving traffic flow between Peninsular Malaysia's northern, southern, and east coast corridors.