Motorists must be given options for toll payments, PM says on RFID

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob says road users must be given the option of using either the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system, Touch ‘n Go (TNG), or SmartTAG at toll gates.

He said this was decided by the Cabinet, which in its meeting yesterday, was of the view that road users must be given a choice, as was the case when TNG was introduced and cash payments were still allowed.

“Users must be given the freedom to use RFID, Touch ‘n Go or SmartTAG,” he told reporters after an event in Putrajaya last night.

Several toll plazas in the Klang Valley reportedly experienced traffic congestion, especially on Monday, due to disruptions to the RFID system.

Toll transactions using RFID for private light vehicles (Class 1) were implemented on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) route from the Juru toll plaza in Penang to the Skudai toll plaza in Johor from 10pm on Jan 15.

The RFID system allows motorists to enjoy a smoother journey without having to stop as they simply have to drive through the RFID lane at a speed of 30kph. They can also carry out contactless toll transactions.

In addition, RFID offers digital cash security and cashless top-up through the use of the Touch ‘n Go e-Wallet without having to go to top-up counters.

Ismail said RFID, which was introduced to speed up travelling time, was a good suggestion but motorists must also be given an option since it was a pioneer project and would need time to be fine-tuned.

“If it is a pilot project, it will take time… after several months then we will leave it to the motorists to decide. Eventually, if RFID facilitates their journey, they will migrate to RFID,” he said.

Ismail also said that highway concessionaires should retain the lanes for TNG and SmartTag users.

“Don’t make it all RFID. If there are 10 lanes, maybe several lanes for RFID and the rest should be for TnG and SmartTAG. We don’t want to pressure motorists,” he said.

On whether highway concessionaires were informed about the Cabinet decision, Ismail said Works Minister Fadillah Yusof would call them for a discussion and a further decision.

Ismail also said the Cabinet meeting had decided that any matter regarding payments by Malaysians needs to be referred to the Cabinet.