FOMCA: RFID is the key to gateless, smoother and faster toll transactions

It's safe to say that the government's decision to phase out Smart Tag and Touch n Go usage on the main stretch of the North-South Expressway (PLUS), replacing it with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has not been a popular move. 

However, Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (FOMCA) deputy president Mohd Yusof Abdul Rahman told Bernama that more promotion and clarification is needed so that highway users understand the benefits of RFID and why it is being implemented. 

According to PLUS, RFID toll payments were first introduced in 2018 at selected expressways as an initial step to the implementation of toll transactions without toll plazas through the multi-lane free flow system (MLFF).

However, Mohd Yusof said the current 20 RFID routes at nine PLUS toll plazas still had bars and as a result, users still have to slow down.

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

"We see Singapore, which does not have tolls, travelling is faster because there is no need for motorists to stop, scan or touch the card and so on, like what we are doing now.

"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 quipped.

Also Read: RFID is supposed to be the future of Malaysian tolls, why is it so hated?

Yusof also compared the negative backlash to RFID to a similar situation that occurred during the transition from cash payment system to Touch ‘n Go at toll plazas.

"It did not take long for the public to accept the change (from cash payment to Touch‘ n Go). 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 added.

Also Read: MaxTag/E-Tag maker, EFKON, questions why replace SmartTag with inferior RFID

According to the RFID website, there are currently 1,269,957 RFID users nationwide.

Deputy Works Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup told the Dewan Negara recently that the ministry was targeting 60 per cent usage of RFID technology for toll payments by the end of 2022 and that the use of Touch 'n Go and SmartTAG cards may be stopped by the end of 2023.