PM: Highway users should not be forced to use RFID

Over the past couple of days, it has been a roller coaster ride for a number of RFID users in Malaysia.

Now, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri has stated that highway users should be given the option of using RFID, Touch ‘n Go (TNG) or SmartTag at tolls.

Also Read: Indonesia teaches Malaysia how to do a better RFID toll system

The Prime Minister said that this matter was decided by the Cabinet on Wednesday. “Users must be given the freedom whether to use RFID, TNG, or SmartTag,” he told reporters during the launch of the Keluarga Malaysia Agricommodity Tour.

Also Read: To calm the angry public, LLM to speak to PLUS and TnG to reduce price of RFID stickers

He added that highway concessionaires should maintain lanes for TnG and SmartTag users. "Don’t make it all RFID. If there are 10 lanes, maybe several lanes for RFID and the rest should be for TnG and SmartTAG. We don’t want to pressure motorists,” he added.

“If it is a pilot project, it will take time...after several months then we will leave it to the motorists to decide. Eventually, if the RFID facilitates their journey, they will migrate to the RFID.”

Over the weekend, PLUS eliminated SmartTag lanes at a number of toll plazas, resulting in a massive gridlock at various toll plazas earlier this week.

Also Read: Is PLUS contradicting itself? RFID causes massive jams, PLUS shuts down comment sections

This move also contradicts earlier statements by PLUS insisting that SmartTag lanes will remain, and that RFID is merely an additional option for users.

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

Instead of apologizing for their blunder, first they turned off comments on their Facebook post, then they did a 180 and congratulated themselves over the ‘encouraging response’ to its RFID toll collection rollout over that weekend.

Also Read: PLUS congratulates itself for RFID's execution, thanks users for 10 percent migration rate

Even former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak chipped in, asking why does TnG charge RM 35 for one RFID sticker when the cost of the sticker is less than RM 1 per piece. 

Also Read: Najib: RFID sticker costs less than RM 1, why is TnG charging RM 35 for one?