No more SmartTag lanes soon, so where and how do I get an RFID tag?

Yesterday, the Ministry of Works announced that they will be (gradually) phasing out Touch ‘n Go (TnG) and SmartTag lanes along the North-South Highway in favour of RFID lanes.

They also put out a reminder to road users to purchase an RFID tag as soon as possible to avoid getting stuck at tolls. But how does one go about acquiring the Touch 'n Go RFID tag?

Here’s a simple guide. 

RFID Fitment Centres

There are two ways you can acquire an TnG RFID tag for your car. The first and most simple way is to send your car to one of 39 RFID fitment centres across Peninsular Malaysia. 

You can find the fitment centre closest to you as well as their operating hours from this link. TnG has also included the Google Maps and Waze link for easy access.

According to Touch ‘n Go’s website, you no longer need to make an appointment before heading to a centre. But we suggest making a quick call to avoid needing to wait for too long. 

Also read: PLUS: Touch ‘n Go and Smart Tag to remain, at least for now

You can also order it online

If you’re the DIY type, then you can just purchase the RFID kit online. While you can purchase the RFID kit from Shopee and Lazada, the recommended way is to request a kit via the TnG eWallet app. 

Simply open your app, tap the RFID option and you will be directed to order the RFID kit on the next page. Then you just need to enter your address details and pay RM 35 via the eWallet. Of course, you will also have to pay the delivery fee. 

Installation

TnG recommends sticking the tag on the windscreen for larger cars like SUVs and MPVs, while for smaller cars like sedans and hatchbacks it is recommended to stick on the headlight. 

Like the road tax, the tag must be placed on the left side of the car. It also needs to be placed at least 5 cm away from any edges, we recommend measuring first or at least determining the best position before you peel the tag off the sticker.

• Wipe the surface down with an alcohol wipe to clean off any grime or oil
• Once the surface is dry, peel the tag off the sticker
• Carefully stick it to the surface. 

Note that after these tags are applied to the car, they cannot be easily removed. If you mess up the installation, you can order another RFID tag from TnG. But bear in mind that you only have one free replacement. You will need to fork out another RM 35 if you need yet another replacement. 

Activating your RFID

Then you will need to activate the RFID tag, you can do it on either the TnG Mobility website or the easier way is to use your TnG eWallet app. 

• Open your app, pick the RFID option 
• Activate your RFID tag by scanning the barcode underneath the tag’s sticker
• The activation process will take 24 hours

The announcement to phase out TnG and SmartTag lanes have raised more questions from road users than excitement. An RFID tag is linked to only one TnG eWallet, if the car is a family shared unit, who would be the one paying for the toll if someone else drives the car? 

If they are removing the TnG and SmartTag readers entirely, what do we do if the RFID scanner doesn’t detect the tag? 

And also, why are we doing this in the first place? The RFID system works similarly to a SmartTag scanner, it doesn't clear traffic any faster than SmartTag. 

So if it doesn't work any better than SmartTag but we have to adopt it anyway, will the RFID work if the tag is stuck on say.... a fly swatter that we put out the window as the car drives pass the toll booth?