KUALA LUMPUR – Road users will be able to use payment options besides Touch ‘n Go to pay for tolls on five highways by September this year, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
The minister said the five highways are the Sg Besi Expressway, New Pantai Expressway, Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway, Guthrie Corridor Expressway, and Penang Bridge.
He also said that the move towards an open-payment system is the result of discussions held with various stakeholders and industry players, including highway concessionaires, since last year.
“This open system is an early initiative in the transition towards the multi-lane fast flow (MLFF) system.
“Under the MLFF, the open system will be implemented on all tolled roads in Malaysia, opening more opportunities for e-wallet providers (to engage in the initiative) while eliminating Touch ‘n Go’s monopoly,” the Kapit MP said in a statement today.
He added that proof of concept for the MLFF will be carried out before the end of October, with the proof’s location to be decided on in the near future.
Nanta’s announcement came after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remarked on the government looking into dissolving the monopoly held by Touch ‘n Go on toll collections in the country.
He also said that the fund collection system has not been a compelling option for users, and not much development has been shown since its inception 20 years ago.
Previously, the Malaysian Competition Commission had said that following the government’s decision to abolish cash payment for tolls to reduce congestion at toll booths, Touch ‘n Go had only monopolised the toll payment system.
However, it said the circumstance is beyond its jurisdiction and that the matter is governed by the Malaysian Highway Authority.
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Anthony Loke yesterday said that an open-payment system for transport services, especially those under Prasarana Malaysia Bhd, will be implemented soon.
Public transport services that use Touch ‘n Go as a mode of payment include Prasarana bus services, LRT, MRT, and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd. – The Vibes, March 21, 2023
