Published on August 9th, 2018 | by Amirul Mukminin
Touch 'n Go Discontinues Sale of SmartTAG as It Prepares for RFID Implementation
Touch 'n Go Sdn Bhd (Touch 'n Go) and key highway concessionaires are preparing to kick-start the rollout of RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) technology for highway users with the support from the relevant authority. This decision was made after rigorous testing was carried out on the RFID system over the past year by Touch 'n Go and highway concessionaires, under the guidance of the authorities.
The company is announcing that starting from September 2018, it will be carrying out an extended RFID pilot phase to the members of the public who are interested to become pilot users. Findings from this pilot phase will help Touch 'n Go implement any refinements to RFID ahead of the expected full roll-out of RFID across all highways in Malaysia, which is targeted to be launched in January 2019. Those who would like to register as pilot users can submit their contact details to www.touchngo.com.my and upon the pilot kick-off, pre-registered users will be prompted with an email to register their vehicle's information and to make appointments for RFID installations through the TNG RFID Portal's appointment system, which will be made available on 3rd September 2018.
In line with the plans to commercialise RFID, Touch 'n Go will no longer sell SmartTAG devices effective August 8,2018 at all of its authorised channels. However existing SmartTAG devices can still be used at all highways. In addition, highway users can continue to use their Touch 'n Go cards and MyKad for toll payments as per normal.
RFID is a globally accepted technology used in electric toll payment systems and has been adopted in countries such as the United States, Argentina and Taiwan. The system uses a Radio Frequency chip embedded on a sticker that is fixed to the vehicle. The sticker, which is unique to each vehicle, will be linked to the Touch 'n Go eWallet, allowing users to easily monitor their balances and access online reload options via online banking and debit/credit cards. It also offers an off-line reload option which is enabled through the use of a pin number. The RFID sticker will eventually replace the current SmartTAG devices.
Here's the list of highways with RFID lane in Klang Valley:
Kuala Lumpur – Karak Expressway (KLK)
Damansara – Puchong Expressway (LDP)
Kemuning – Shah Alam Highway (LKSA)
Cheras – Kajang Highway (GRANDSAGA)
Lebuhraya Grand Sepadu (GRANDSEPADU)
Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS)
Kajang Dispersal Link Expressway (SILK)
Maju Expressway (MEX)
Duta – Ulu Klang Expressway (DUKE)
Stormwater Management And Road Tunnel (SMART)
New Pantai Expressway (NPE)
Besraya Expressway (BESRAYA)
Sistem Penyuraian Trafik KL Barat (SPRINT)
Kuala Lumpur – Kuala Selangor Expressway (LATAR)
Ampang – Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (AKLEH)
Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GUTHRIE)
Amirul Mukminin