Even though it has almost been five years since the RFID toll payment was introduced to the public, complaints regarding the system still lingered around, especially regarding its efficiency. Many have also pointed out that the low amount of RFID lanes has also contributed to the congestion at toll plazas, according to the Minister of Works, Alexander Nanta Linggi.
As a result of a meeting between the Ministry of Works, Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM), PLUS Malaysia, and Touch ‘n Go (TNG), new RFID lanes will be added to several toll plazas that are under PLUS management. Specifically, the implementation will take place at 11 toll plazas across Peninsular Malaysia.
Here are their locations:
- Sg. Besi
- Jalan Duta
- Shah Alam
- Sungai Buloh
- Rawang Selatan
- Setia Alam x 2
- Subang
- Putra Mahkota
- Kajang
- Penang Bridge
- Kubang Semang
With the exception of the Setia Alam toll plaza which will involve both the entry and the exit section of the plaza, the new RFID lanes will be added only to the entry section of these toll plazas. PLUS has also said that these lanes will be implemented in phases and will be ready by the middle of April this year.
However, the RFID’s reputation was marred after the system was deemed as the main recent behind massive congestion throughout PLUS highways on the morning of 17 January. A few days later, PLUS began to reinstate SmartTAG lanes at several key toll plazas to mitigate the traffic congestion caused by RFID.
Hence, it is interesting to see that all the parties involved have decided to increase the number of RFID lanes once again. So, let’s see whether the move could help improve the RFID reputation among consumers or make things worse.
