PLUS Highway Set To Transition To RFID From 15 January 2022 Onwards

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

17th December 2021 - 2 min read

The Ministry of Works (KKR) announced that it will be implementing radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for light private vehicles (Class 1) on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) – from Juru, Penang to Skudai, Johor. This is expected to take effect starting from 15 January 2022, heralding the eventual phasing out of Touch ‘n Go and SmartTAG in the near future.

According to KKR, this latest development will involve the whole highway infrastructure on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. “There will be a lane for RFID along the tolled highway on the west coast to help ease traffic congestion, that is in line with rapid technology developments,” it said.

KKR further clarified that motorists are currently still allowed to use Touch ‘n Go and SmartTAG to pay for their passage. However, both methods will eventually be phased out in stages as more RFID lanes are added to enable multi-lane free-flow (MLFF) highways. RFID, alongside MLFF, is expected to offer road users a more seamless contactless experience when paying toll fees.

The ministry also said that the RFID experience is enhanced by the convenience offered by the Touch ‘n Go (TNG) eWallet, as users will no longer need to visit physical counters to perform any reload transactions. The RFID tag can be easily purchased online via the TNG eWallet, and road users can either install it themselves or request for assistance at any of the 39 authorised fitment centres in Peninsular Malaysia.

Currently, the RFID technology is already installed at 62 open-system toll plazas, including highways such as PLUS, Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS), and Damansara-Puchong Expressway (LDP). The next step was to expand the technology to all toll plazas nationwide starting from April 2020, including 83 closed toll systems from the North to the South. However, the implementation was subsequently deferred due to Covid-19 and the ensuing movement control order (MCO) period.

(Source: Kementerian Kerja Raya)

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Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Previously covered recruitment-related stories and had a short stint as a copywriter for the property industry. She subsequently developed an interest in investment and robo-advisors.

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