KUALA LUMPUR – The government will look into the monopoly that Touch 'n Go holds on toll collections in the country, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said the fund collection system has not been a compelling option for users, and not much development was shown since its inception 20 years ago.
The Tambun MP said this in response to a question by an attendee at the Youth Empowerment Fair dialogue session on whether the government has plans to dismantle the Touch ‘n Go monopoly, as various locations now allow card payments.
“I think you are right, we have to reconsider that,” he said during the session at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today.
“Touch ‘n Go has been in operation for more than two decades, (and it has) not been convincing, nor seen development or progress in its system,” he added.
Previously, the Malaysian Competition Commission had said that Touch ‘n Go only monopolised the toll payment system following the government’s decision to abolish cash payment for tolls to reduce congestion at toll booths for the convenience of highway users.
However, it said the circumstance is beyond its jurisdiction and the matter is governed by the Malaysian Highway Authority. – The Vibes, March 19, 2023
