Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi has commented that the likelihood of enabling alternative cashless payment methods for radio frequency identification (RFID) toll payments is quite high. If accomplished, Malaysian motorists will no longer be confined to using only the Touch ‘n Go (TNG) eWallet.

 “This e-wallet thing should be seamless…so that one doesn’t have to be dedicated to just one or two concessionaires. That, I think, is a big possibility,” the minister said, adding that this will offer more convenience to highway users.

To add to that, the plan to enable alternative cashless payment methods for toll payments in general is not new; the previous Works Minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof had also said that the government was working on expanding motorists’ toll payment options to any digital mode of payment. PLUS, too, have hinted early last year that it would soon include debit and credit cards as additional payment options for motorists travelling along the North-South Highway (PLUS) – although there were no further updates since.  

Aside from highlighting the possibility of other cashless options for RFID toll payments, Datuk Seri Alexander also reiterated that the multi-lane free flow (MLFF) system – which has been renamed as the multi-lane fast flow system to avoid confusion among motorists that the system is free – will be implemented by 2025. This will see the removal of the Touch ‘n Go and SmartTag lanes, to be replaced instead by RFID lanes.

Briefly, the MLFF system refers to a barrier-free toll collection system, where no toll booths or dedicated lanes are required. Instead, a gantry structure that is furnished with automated number plate recognition (ANPR) technology will be installed at specific locations to collect toll payments.

Meanwhile, RFID – which is vital to the implementation of the MLFF system – was first introduced in Malaysia in 2018, and has since gradually been expanded to numerous toll plazas nationwide. In fact, it was just announced last week that another 12 new RFID lanes will be added to the North-South Highway (PLUS) by mid-April 2023. However, its implementation to date has been fraught with challenges, including complaints of traffic congestion and lack of seamlessness.

(Source: Malay Mail)

• TAGS:
• Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi
• Multi-Lane Fast Flow (MLFF) System
• Multi-Lane Free-Flow (MLFF) Highways
• PLUS RFID
• RFID
• RFID Payments
• SmartTAG
• TNG RFID
• Touch 'n Go
• Touch 'n Go Card
• Touch 'n Go eWallet
• Touch 'n Go RFID