Four highways within Klang Valley will become among the first to offer credit and debit card payment options. This was revealed by the Works Minister, Alexander Nanta Linggi through a post on his Facebook page earlier today.
Among those that were shortlisted by the minister includes New Pantai Expressway (NPE), Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (AKLEH), Sungai Besi Expressway (Besraya), and Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE). Also joining the list is the Penang Bridge.
Just like the upcoming implementation for public transportation operators which was revealed by Transport Minister Anthony Loke yesterday, the credit and debit card option will be made possible by the rollout of the open payment system. In the same Facebook post, Alexander also revealed that the new payment method will be made available on these five highways by September this year.
The minister also said that the implementation of the open payment system on these highways is one of the early initiatives to get the public ready for the upcoming Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll system. Essentially, the integration of the open payment system into MLFF will end Touch ‘n Go monopoly on toll payments.
This is because the system will provide an opportunity for various companies including other e-wallet players to compete in the same space. Not only that, this also means consumers will be free to choose their preferred method of toll payments.
Truth be told, MLFF has already been in the works with field trials already taking place as early as 15 years ago. However, it is only in the past few years that things finally picked up in a rapid manner and Alexander has said in today’s Facebook post that the Proof of Concept for MLFF will go live this coming October while it is expected to be available to the public in phases starting from Q3 2024.
