PETALING JAYA: Five highways will be implementing an open payment system by September, says works minister Alexander Nanta Linggi.
This means that road users will be allowed to use payment options other than Touch ’n Go to pay for tolls. This includes credit cards and debit cards, among others, as methods of payment.
The five highways are Sungai Besi, New Pantai Expressway, Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway, Guthrie Corridor Expressway and the Penang bridge.
Nanta’s statement comes after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government would review Touch ’n Go’s monopoly on highway toll collection because the system lacked significant improvement and development.
Nanta said his ministry has been engaging with the highway concessionaires to take the next step in the implementation of an open payment system.
“The open payment system will enable road users to use debit or credit cards to pay for tolls. This open system is an early initiative in the transition towards the multi-lane fast flow (MLFF) system.
“Under the MLFF, the open system can be implemented on all tolled roads in Malaysia and it will provide more room for opportunities, including e-wallets, so there will no longer be a monopoly by Touch ’n Go.
“This will create a healthy competition and allow road users more choices when paying for toll,” he said in a statement.
Nanta said the proof of concept for the MLFF would be done in October and the location would be finalised soon.
“The MLFF will be done in stages, the latest will be by the third quarter of 2024.”
We are live on Telegram, subscribe here for breaking news and the latest announcements.