New Toll Payment System Through Credit, Debit Cards By September

Minister of Works, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, recently announced a new transition on the toll payment system which will be executed soon. 

The government finally agrees to initiate an open payment system in September while drivers get to pay using credit or debit cards for toll collection. 

He went on to say that the system involves five highways like Sungai Besi Expressway, the Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway, the New Pantai Expressway, Guthrie Corridor Expressway and Penang Bridge as the fifth.

Various sources also reported there are plans to expand the system on all highways nationwide. However, it will only be assessed in October to observe the efficiency of it before being applied to more highways.  

Following that, the new implementation is then considered to be an early step as part of converting to the ongoing Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) project, for which RM3.46 billion has been allocated to have its full completion anticipated by 2025..

Thus, through MLFF, it allows users to have more options for paying tolls and hopefully could lessen traffic jams especially at toll plazas.

"This will open up more opportunities for eWallet providers and end the monopoly of Touch 'n Go’’ he said.

Apart from that, the minister added that it could create healthy competition among industry players and open up more choices for highway users in terms of toll payment methods.

For instance, news regarding the monopoly of Touch 'n Go in the payment system for tolls and public transportation will be assessed, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to embrace the idea of having aforementioned competition.

The introduction of an open payment system application has been mandated by the ministry, according to the Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, who made the announcement on Monday (March 20).