The implementation of radio frequency identification (RFID) toll fee on the main stretch of the North-South Highway (PLUS) from Juru in Penang to Skudai in Johor, efficient January 15, has acquired mixed reactions from varied groups, Bernama stories.
The Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (FOMCA) says that the implementation is consistent with the federal government’s intention to modernise toll funds and scale back congestion at toll plazas and must be considered positively. Its deputy president Mohd Yusof Abdul Rahman mentioned that the damaging response from some netizens over the federal government’s transfer was just like the state of affairs that occurred in the course of the transition from money fee system to Touch ‘n Go (TnG) at toll plazas.
“However, it did not take long for the public to accept the change (from cash payment to TnG). It shows our people are prepared to accept changes. As more and more people use the facility, the response will be more positive. Many people do not agree now because not many people use it,” he advised Bernama.
He mentioned RFID would make life simpler for customers. “As many people say, to top-up Touch’ n Go is a hassle. You have to stop at convenience stores or petrol stations, and you have to have cash because cashless top-up is not possible. So RFID provides an easier option because the top-up can be done on smartphones either using a debit or credit card, or online banking. It also has a direct top-up feature using e-Wallet,” he mentioned.
In relation up to now, it is value noting {that a} PayDirect function on TnG card and SmartTAG exists, and permits customers to hyperlink as much as three Touch n’ Go playing cards to their eWallet app. Once a card is linked to the eWallet, the toll cost will routinely be deducted from the eWallet each time a linked card is used at a toll sales space (both by tapping it on a reader or by utilizing a SmartTAG), with none deductions on the bodily card itself. However, this function is not obtainable on PLUS.
Mohd Yusof welcomed the transfer to implement the RFID in levels. “The option given to motorists to use TnG and Smart Tag for a certain period of time is appropriate until everyone has access to RFID. Then, PLUS can gradually eliminate the existing payment methods and switch to RFID completely,” he mentioned, including that PLUS ought to perform more promotions on RFID for the good thing about shoppers.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) activist chief Datuk Nadzim Johan questioned whether or not there was an pressing want for RFID to be carried out, given the difficulties confronted by many because of the affect of Covid-19.
He mentioned though PLUS had clarified that TnG and Smart Tag may nonetheless be used on its highways, it was nonetheless ’unhealthy information’ for some folks. “Even though it is just an announcement and the existing payment method is still running, it is making some people to become more stressed,” he advised the nationwide information company.
He mentioned the transfer would affect these in rural areas, as some could have issues putting in RFID on the automobiles. “There must be a guarantee that there will be no additional costs on the users,” he mentioned, including that PLUS ought to offer more clarification on the implementation of RFID.
Last month, the works ministry mentioned it is targeting to achieve 60% RFID usage for toll assortment by the tip of 2022, and that the usage of TnG and SmartTAG playing cards could also be stopped by the tip of 2023. According to the TnG RFID portal, there are at the moment 1,269,957 RFID customers nationwide.
Find out more about RFID on PLUS highways and how the system works here.
