The Ministry of Works Malaysia (KKR), in collaboration with the Public-Private Partnership Unit (UKAS) under the Prime Minister’s Department, is advancing the development of the 122-kilometre East Coast Expressway Phase 3 (LPT3) through a public-private partnership (PPP) model, connecting Kampung Gemuruh in Terengganu to Tunjong in Kelantan, Malaysia.

The project is intended to improve connectivity along Malaysia’s east coast and complement the existing East Coast Expressway Phases 1 and 2, which serve Pahang and Terengganu. The proposed highway will extend from Kampung Gemuruh in Terengganu to Tunjong in Kelantan. By completing this expressway link, the government aims to strengthen road connectivity between the east coast states, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and provide an additional transport route for regional travellers. The project is expected to complement other transport infrastructure, including the Kota Bharu–Kuala Krai Highway and the Central Spine Road, as these projects progress.

The project will be procured through a competitive bidding process using a Request for Proposal (RFP). The project's Statement of Needs has already been submitted to the Public Private Partnership Unit (UKAS) under the Prime Minister’s Department. UKAS is preparing the RFP documents, which will subsequently be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration and a decision. As of 27 October 2026, the project remains at the documentation stage, and the successful bidder has yet to be selected.

The announcement also comes as the Works Ministry continues to monitor other major highway projects in Kelantan. Nanta reported that the 70.4-kilometre Kota Bharu–Kuala Krai Highway had achieved 78.8% physical progress, with the Pasir Hor–Kadok section completed and the remaining five packages expected to be completed in 2027. Meanwhile, the Kelantan section of the Central Spine Road, valued at RM3.08 billion, is expected to be completed by 2028. These projects form part of the government's wider efforts to improve transport infrastructure and connectivity across the region.