The Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) has instructed PLUS Malaysia Berhad to accelerate the rollout of Account Based Transaction (ABT), better known to the public as PayDirect by Touch ’n Go (TNG) eWallet, across its highways. This includes the North-South Expressway (NSE).

Pilot Projects Under Review

In a letter, LLM directed PLUS to present updates on its pilot projects using PayDirect. These pilots are currently running at the Hutan Kampung–Sungai Dua stretch of the NSE, the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE), and the Penang Bridge. PLUS has also been told to submit a full implementation plan for all the highways it manages.

PLUS must review its internal findings with LLM by 23 September 2025. Between 29 September and 3 October, the company is required to carry out system testing (officially called a Test on Completion) on the NSE’s main section, from Juru in Penang to Skudai in Johor.

Long Wait For PayDirect On PLUS Highways

Motorists have been anticipating PayDirect support on PLUS highways since 2019, the year the payment method was first introduced. As recently as February 2025, TNG announced that approval for its use on PLUS highways was close to completion.

However, progress has been slow. Earlier this year, LLM highlighted concerns about delays and asked PLUS to shorten its pilot project period, introduce standard operating procedures to manage technical issues, and define success criteria. PLUS was also required to coordinate with the Penang Second Bridge concessionaire, since the Bandar Cassia toll plaza links directly to the NSE.

Delays And Ongoing Issues

LLM pointed out that the PayDirect pilot projects at the Hutan Kampung–Sungai Dua stretch, the BKE, and the Penang Bridge remain incomplete. Testing for the Juru–Skudai section of the NSE has also been delayed.

According to the highway authority, PayDirect has proven effective on other highways by reducing cases where users face “insufficient balance” at toll plazas. This helps cut down congestion, as drivers can pay tolls directly from their eWallet instead of relying only on the physical TNG card.

Demand For A Uniform Payment System

LLM also acknowledged ongoing public frustration with the lack of PayDirect support on PLUS highways. The payment method has already been rolled out across most other highways in Malaysia, and many road users have been calling for a consistent system nationwide.

The authority said implementing PayDirect on PLUS highways is important not only for smoother traffic flow but also for convenience, as drivers would no longer need to maintain balances in both their TNG card and eWallet.

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• TAGS:
• Account Based Transaction
• LLM
• Malaysian Highway Authority
• North-South Expressway
• PayDirect
• PLUS Malaysia Berhad
• TNG
• Touch ’n Go