The Covid-19 pandemic has led to an increase in usage of a lot of things ‘contactless’. From contactless deliveries to contactless card payments.
Now, even our toll booths are preparing to be contactless. In a statement today (16 December), the Ministry of Works (KKR) announced that the North-South Expressway (NSE) will start to have Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) toll booths by 15 January 2022.
They added that this was in preparation for the eventual phasing out of Touch ‘n Go and SmartTAG usage.
Additionally, they said that RFID toll booths will be accessible to light private vehicles (Class 1), “vehicles with two axles and three or four wheels, excluding taxis” on the longest highway in Malaysia.
Apart from sedans, hatchbacks, and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs), vans and pickup trucks fall under the same category as well.
The seamless toll-paying system will be installed at toll plazas from Juru, Penang all the way to Skudai, Johor.
“RFID enables one to perform touchless payment that reduces the risk of COVID-19 infections.”
“RFID also offers cashless digital security and top-ups via Touch ‘n Go eWallet that eliminates the need to visit top-up lanes or counters,” mentioned the statement.
The ministry said that part of the reason is because RFID tags can be obtained at a low cost. Motorists are able to purchase the tags through the Touch ‘n Go eWallet app, the Touch’ n Go portal, or through agents that have been appointed to fit the gadgets on their behalf.
“One can also buy and fit the tags at 39 such centres in Peninsular Malaysia,” it said.
The ministry also said that toll payments by Touch ‘n Go and SmartTAG are still available for the time being. Both methods will be phased out in stages.
Find out more at PLUS’ website and Touch’ n Go’s portal.
Read the full statement below:
Kenyataan Media
TRANSAKSI TOL RFID DI LALUAN JURU, PULAU PINANG HINGGA SKUDAI, JOHOR DI LEBUHRAYA UTARA-SELATAN BERMULA 15 JANUARI 2022
– Pelaksanaan lengkapkan jaringan RFID di Seluruh Lebuhraya Pantai Barat Semenanjung Malaysia#kearahkesejahteraanrakyat pic.twitter.com/xUs2RTZL8P
— KKR Malaysia (@MOWorks) December 16, 2021
Do you agree with this eventual change? Let us know in the comments.
Also read: Watch: Red Honda Dangerously Reverses & Changes Lane Just To Avoid Paying For Toll
