Malaysia’s Touch ‘n Go to Test Out New RFID System in September

(Photo Credit: The Malaysian Reserve)

Touch ‘n Go will be testing out a new radio frequency identification (RFID) system for toll payments in Malaysia. The pilot testing for the public will start on 3 September 2018.

Announced by Touch ‘n Go on 8 August 2018, this new RFID system uses a sticker, or RFID tag, which is embedded with a radio frequency chip.

Unique to each vehicle, this sticker will be linked to an eWallet in the Touch ‘n Go mobile app. When a vehicle passes through a toll, an overhead scanner will automatically read the RFID sticker and deduct the toll fare from the digital wallet.

Users will need a smartphone to use the new RFID system. The app can already be downloaded via the Google Play Store and App Store. Besides toll payments, users can also use the app to top up their balance, pay their bills, and transfer money to their friends and family. The eWallet can be topped up via online banking or debit/credit cards.

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This new RFID system is expected to replace the current SmartTAG devices. To commercialise the new system, Touch 'n Go will no longer be selling its SmartTAG devices.

However, existing SmartTAG users can still use the device to pay for highway toll charges. In addition, users can continue to use their Touch ‘n Go cards and MyKad for toll payments. There is no word as to when these options will be eventually replaced.

The pilot testing for the new Touch ‘n Go RFID system will take place on 3 September 2018, and the full system roll-out is expected to happen in January 2019.

In other related news, travellers who are driving to JB will no longer be able to top up their Touch ‘n Go cards at the Causeway. This is probably in response to the changes to the Custom toll charges.

For those unaware, travellers who drive to Johor Bahru will only need to pay the toll charges upon exiting the country. It was reported that this change will help reduce traffic at the Johor Bahru Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex (CIQ).

For more information about the new RFID system, click this link.

Read more: Say Goodbye to Jams at JB Customs: Toll Charges to Only be Paid When Leaving Malaysia