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KUALA LUMPUR – SmartTAG and Touch ‘n Go (TNG) lanes are here to stay, said the Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA) following numerous complaints over the implementation of the radio frequency identification payment system.
MHA said in a statement that 43 SmartTAG lanes along highways will be reopened in stages at 34 toll plazas managed by PLUS Malaysia Bhd.
It added that PLUS needs to place more staffers with scanning devices at RFID lanes to assist drivers who might have trouble passing through.
“PLUS has been told to ensure the performance of the RFID system is improved to avoid congestion at toll plazas, and to set up more RFID fitment centres along the PLUS highway.
“PLUS should also disseminate information on the RFID system through media channels to increase consumer understanding and awareness,” MHA was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times.
On December 16, the government had announced that the RFID system would begin operating at all toll plazas at the Juru-Skudai stretch of the North-South Expressway starting January 15.
TNG and SmartTAG lanes would eventually be phased out to allow for the opening of more RFID lanes.
However, the RFID toll gates have received public criticism for causing traffic jams due to issues with the system.
Recently, drivers at the Sg Besi, Bandar Seri Putra, and Subang toll plazas were stuck in traffic standstills, which started at 7am and lasted into the evening rush hour.
In a statement, PLUS apologised to customers for the inconvenience caused at the Juru-Skudai stretch.
The highway operator said it has identified key toll plazas for the reinstatement of SmartTAG lanes, to address grievances by SmartTAG users and manage traffic.
PLUS said it is committed to reinstating 19 Touch ‘n Go lanes as SmartTAG lanes at 16 toll plazas by January 25.
It said this is being done in anticipation of the Chinese New Year travel exodus.
The operator said that after the festive season, another 18 toll plazas will convert their 24 lanes to SmartTAG lanes.
PLUS said it has committed on-the-ground teams working around the clock to optimise system performance and sharpen detection at all toll plazas.
“Quicker ‘double arm’ lane barriers will also be deployed at plazas with high traffic to ensure traffic will be able to be managed and cleared quickly,” it said.
“Additionally, to assist our highway customers, visual RFID detection zones will be painted on the lanes to ensure customers are able to position their vehicles and ensure optimum detection.” – The Vibes, January 20, 2022