In March 2023, we reported about the government’s intention to evaluate Touch ‘n Go’s monopoly on collecting highway tolls. This assessment is prompted by the system’s limited development and lack of notable progress, even after being in operation for nearly two decades.
The government also announced that the drivers will have the ability to use any digital payment provider to pay for highway tolls, not just Touch ‘n Go. As time goes by, an increasing number of highway concessionaires have embraced the implementation of an open toll payment system.
Malay Mail reports that according to Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, a total of 12 highway concessionaires have agreed to adopt an open toll payment system starting in September.
The implementation will involve various highways such as:
- Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE)
- Damansara-Puchong Expressway (LDP)
- Western Kuala Lumpur Traffic Dispersion Scheme Expressway (SPRINT)
- Shah Alam Expressway (Kesas)
- SMART tunnel
- Maju Expressway (MEX)
- Sungai Besi Expressway
- New Pantai Expressway (NPE)
- Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (Akleh)
- Guthrie Corridor Highway
- Penang Bridge
- Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE)
Nanta affirmed that the aforementioned highway concessionaires have committed to adopting the open payment system, but negotiations are still in progress with other concessionaires. There is an expectation that additional concessionaires will express their interest and participate in the initiative.
The reason for the lengthy discussions with the highway concessionaires, according to Nanta, is the crucial examination of security risks associated with toll payment using credit or debit cards. Ensuring the prevention of any security issues is of utmost importance, which is why a cautious approach is being taken instead of rushing the implementation.
