Issues On The Implementation Of RFID - PLUS Is Conducting More Ground Teams And Testings

Plus Expressway Bhd has started implementing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology on January 16, 2022, for private light vehicles across all their routes from Juru, Penang to Skudai in Johor.

However, just two days after the deployment, Online media and netizens have claimed that the traffic at several toll plazas like at Bandar Seri Putra, Bangi, and Sungai Besi had become severely congested.

The congestion has sparked anger and dissatisfaction among the highway users, forcing PLUS to resort to disabling comments on their Facebook page to avoid unnecessary outrage.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof then instructed PLUS to solve the traffic issue.

"When it is a pioneering project, it will face certain issues that need to be solved," he told the media on Monday.

In another statement on Tuesday (Jan 18), PLUS has guaranteed the new RFID users that they will get a coupon for a full detection diagnostic at the nearest Touch ‘n Go (TnG) fitment centre if the tag remains undetectable.

“If the RFID tag still has detection issues after the test, TnG will replace it for free,” it added.

RFID is supposed to allow highway users to enjoy a smoother journey through touchless toll transactions. Through the use of Touch' n Go eWallet, it also allows digital cash security and cashless top-ups without having to visit to the top-up counters.

Who’s to blame for these ugly consequences?

Following the announcement, a series of mixed reactions have been expressed by fellow social media users. Some are glad because Malaysia is finally moving towards a single system that offers better convenience. But some feel that the deployment of RFID will make life more difficult, especially for older people.

RFID is supposed to allow highway users to experience a smoother journey through ‘touchless’ toll transactions. It also promotes the use of cashless top-ups as well as digital cash security.

We are not against RFID deployment but, we believe that our government needs to conduct further testing and in-depth research before making this system mandatory by stages.