Highway users will now have the option of using credit or debit cards at the Putrajaya toll plaza, Maju Expressway (MEX), which will be testing the open toll payment system on six lanes starting Aug 3.

Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi, speaking at a press conference after conducting a visit to monitor system testing at the Putrajaya toll plaza in Putrajaya yesterday, said that this was in line with the works ministry's initiative to implement the open toll payment system in stages on 12 selected highways.

"The system allows motorists to pay using a debit or credit card, at the same time providing new alternatives and convenience to motorists in the toll payment process, apart from existing methods such as Touch 'n Go, SmartTag, and radio frequency identification or RFID," he said.

He said that the system will be fully implemented on MEX (formerly known as Kuala Lumpur-Putrajaya Expressway); Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE); Western Kuala Lumpur Traffic Dispersal Scheme (SPRINT) Expressway; Shah Alam Expressway (Kesas); Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP); SMART Tunnel; Duta-Ulu Klang Expressway (DUKE); Penang Bridge (JPP); Sungai Besi Expressway (Besraya); New Pantai Expressway (NPE); Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Expressway (Akleh) and Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE).

The full implementation of the system on the 12 highways covers 31 toll plazas and 81 lanes, he said.

Nanta said that Maju Expressway Sdn Bhd (MESB), the MEX Expressway concession company, is one of the earliest highways that will implement the open toll system, where testing of the system has already started in July 2023 to ensure the readiness and smooth implementation of operations in line with the standards set by the Malaysian Highways Authority (LLM).

"The works ministry has always been informed about the level of readiness and progress of testing, which is now being carried out in stages by LLM together with the highway concessionaires.

"The implementation of the open toll system should be carried out carefully and in detail, taking into account various processes involved, such as technical aspects, security, legislation, and the handling of the toll transaction record itself, to ensure that the comfort and safety of highway users are always prioritised," he said.

He also advised motorists to ensure that their debit and credit card balances are sufficient before using them for toll payment, in addition to touching the designated place at the designated terminal, to ensure that toll payment goes smoothly.