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KUALA LUMPUR – The implementation of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) toll payment across PLUS highways had brought about many complaints by highway users and was one of the reasons that prompted the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) to be involved in monitoring the implementation of the system.
Last January 17, MyCC, PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) and Touch ‘n’ Go Sdn Bhd (Touch ‘n’ Go) carried out a discussion on the matter and the progress of the implementation.
There, MyCC had taken the opportunity to bring up consumers’ concerns to the two companies.
“In light of the increasing complaints by consumers on the issues related to the implementation of RFID across PLUS highways, MyCC also shared its assessment and concerns in the same meeting on the said implementation.
“This includes enabling access to other payment platforms for payment of tolls not only via debit or credit cards, but also other e-wallet systems,” they said in a statement today.
MyCC stated that they are paying close attention to the progress of the implementation, as they said that it is very important for it to be carried out effectively in order to achieve its objectives.
Additionally, in line with their goals of promoting healthy competition, which will, in turn, trigger productivity and innovation, MyCC will be monitoring the development in order to encourage the process of competition.
To guarantee that the new changes will serve the greatest interest of users, they will also be working together with the government.
“Taking into account the special responsibilities arising from the dominant positions of both enterprises in the relevant market, MyCC will continue to monitor the situation from time to time and when any competition concern is identified, the Competition Act 2010 will be enforced.
“Secondly, it is pertinent to remember that innovation-related markets can create uncertainty.
“Thus, MyCC will work closely with the government to ensure these changes will always serve the consumers’ best interest,” Iskandar Ismail, MyCC’s chief executive officer, said.
On December 16, 2021, the government had announced that the RFID system would be starting its operations at all toll plazas at the Juru-Skudai stretch of the North-South Expressway starting January 15, 2022.
Touch ‘n’ Go and Smart Tag lanes would eventually be phased out to allow the opening of more RFID lanes.
However, RFID toll gates have been met with public criticism for causing traffic jams due to issues with the system.
Recently, drivers at 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. – The Vibes, January 20, 2022