{
  "id": 10578760,
  "title": "Highways of the future",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/highways-of-the-future",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-29T01:34:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/property/2026/09/1543519/highways-future"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysia's highway evolution began in 1964, with tolls introduced on the Tanjung Malim-Slim River Highway two years later, marking the nation's inaugural controlled-access road. The Federal Highway, constructed in 1974 and completed in 1977, set the stage for rapid highway expansion, spurred by the North-South Expressway's completion in 1994. Today, Malaysia boasts a 2,151-kilometre network spanning 34 routes, overseen by 28 concessionaires and operated by 28 entities. This vast network facilitates daily travel for millions of vehicles, connecting villages, towns, industrial areas, and destinations across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak. The government, through the Works Ministry and the Malaysian Highway Authority, remains committed to ensuring highway safety, comfort, and maintenance to support the country's economic growth and public well-being.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s highway story dates back to March 1964, while toll collection was introduced two years later, in March 1966, on the Tanjung Malim-Slim River Highway, which, according to data from the Works Ministry, was the first highway in Malaysia and Asia.",
  "key_points": [
    "Malaysia's highway network began in 1964 with tolls on Tanjung Malim-Slim River Highway.",
    "Federal Highway, built in 1974 and completed in 1977, initiated rapid highway expansion.",
    "Today, Malaysia has 2,151-kilometre network connecting Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Malaysia's expanded highway network solidifies its role in driving economic growth and improving public well-being by enhancing connectivity and travel across the country.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}