The end of TnG's monopoly on tolls and public transport? PM Anwar and Anthony Loke responds
CY Foong · Mar 21, 2023 09:55 AM
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During a Q&A session at last weekend’s Youth Empowerment Fair 2023, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed that the government will review Touch ‘n Go’s (TnG) monopoly in Malaysia.
A participant asked if there were any plans to end TnG’s monopoly on payment systems for the country’s transport and road systems. He remarked that other payment methods like debit cards and credit cards can be used in petrol stations and parking lots but TnG remains the only contactless payment option for transport services.
PMX responded, “You see, Touch ‘n Go has been in operation for more than two decades and there has not been convincing development or progress in the system. I think you are right, we will have to reconsider that.”
Following the PM’s remarks, Transport Minister Anthony Loke revealed that public transport users can soon look forward to alternative contactless payments like credit and debit cards besides the default TnG card.
The minister has informed public transportation agencies and operators including Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (The operator for Rapid KL trains and buses) and KTM Berhad to consider an open payment system.
At a press conference, Loke revealed that his ministry has received complaints from the public about the limited choices of payment options. He assured that this open payment system will soon be implemented but it would take some time.
Currently, the only rail service that supports contactless card payments in the Klang Valley is the KLIA Express and KLIA Transit ERL. Some other forms of contactless payment have been spotted at selected LRT stations that accept payment through debit or credit cards as well as smartphone-integrated services like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay.
However, the Transport Minister can only speak for public transport as it is up to the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) to adopt an open payment system for highway tolls.
A Malaysian version of Singapore's ERP was trialled back in 2015
Last month, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said that motorists will be free to use any digital mode of payment with the introduction of the multi-lane free-flow (MLFF) in 2025. It was revealed that talks on an open payment system between the Works Ministry, Ministry of Finance, and related concessionaires are being ramped up.
The Works Minister also said that a pilot project that allows payments through various digital payment providers would be conducted as soon as possible.
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.
