According to The Star, PLUS is reported to integrate the TNG RFID into all of its highway toll plazas by early 2022, with at least one lane per toll plaza.
Anwar Ishak, the CEO of Teras Teknologi Sdn Bhd (a subsidiary of PLUS), said that the RFID system would be rolled out together with the Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system.
He said the ANPR acts as a secondary layer of identification to avoid penalizing motorists who accidentally use a different payment method to enter the highway and assist in disputes regarding possible payment errors.
He added the timeline of the replacement would depend on the rate of adoption by motorists. However, the government had set a target to introduce a Multi-Lane Free Flow System (MLFF) highway dependent on RFID by 2026.
Teras develops technology solutions for the highway toll concessionaire, including the existing TNG and SmartTag systems.
What is RFID?
RFID or radio-frequency identification is a cashless payment method that uses a sticker attached to your vehicle headlamp or windscreen. Unlike SmartTAG, RFID does not require a battery or physical Touch ‘n Go (TNG) card to reload, as the toll charges will be deducted via TNG’s eWallet app, reloadable through credit or debit card or online bank transfers.
The RFID and ANPR will allow motorists to pass through tolls faster, at up to 30km/h, than the SmartTag system, at a 20km/h pass-through speed. The system has been on a pilot test since July 2020 at the Hutan Kampung-Sungai Dua closed highway, which runs from Kedah to Penang.
TNG and SmartTAG are to be phased out in stages
According to the Ministry of Works, both TNG cards and SmartTAG will be phased out in stages to open up more RFID lanes on highways.
These payment options will be fully replaced by RFID and scheduled to go live at toll plazas within the route starting from 15 January 2022.
Why RFID and how it is more efficient?
RFID is among the initiatives towards implementing the Multi-Lane Free Flow System (MLFF), which is in line with the government’s intention to digitalize and modernize toll payment methods.
Additionally, it helps improve the traffic management system and reduce congestion at toll plazas.
Besides, RFID installation is cheaper and more affordable than SmartTAG devices. In comparison, the RFID tag only costs RM35, while a SmartTAG device costs up to RM135. In addition, RFID tags do not need to contain batteries, unlike SmartTAG devices that require a battery that usually lasts up to 6 months.
Moreover, users can top up their eWallet account online and avoid the problem of insufficient balance, especially during peak hours. They can check their eWallet balance before embarking on a trip.
How to buy an RFID tag?
TNG RFID Tags can be purchased directly from the Touch ‘n Go eWallet app at RM35 each:
- Launch your TNG eWallet app
- Tap “RFID” on the main page
- Select “Order RFID Tag”
- Key in the order quantity and click “Buy Now”
- Key in the delivery information and click “Review Order”
- Click “Pay” and done
You can also purchase the RFID tag from BonusLink, Lazada, Shell Select, Shine Shine and Shopee.
How to install the TNG RFID sticker on your vehicle?
You can follow the below instruction to install the TNG RFID tag on your vehicle:
- Clean the surface of the windscreen or headlamp
- Peel off the TNG RFID tag
- Install the TNG RFID tag on the outside of the upper left windscreen or left headlamp (passenger side)
Note: Please avoid installing it on a headlamp or windscreen with a tint or near a metal object (at least 5cm away).
How do I register/activate my TNG RFID tag?
Once fitted, the TNG RFID tag can be activated via a simple registration process from the Touch ‘n Go app. Follow the below steps:
- Tap on the Toll icon from the home screen and then choose RFID
- Click on the Activate RFID Tag button
- Fill in your account details
- Register your vehicle
- Enter the 24-digit RFID Tag number or scan the bar code on the TNG RFID tag packaging
- Enter OTP code
After keying in your OTP code, your TNG RFID tag will be activated within 24 hours.
How to reload your TNG RFID?
Follow the below instruction to reload your TNG RFID Tag on your vehicle:
- Launch your Touch ‘n Go eWallet app.
- Click Reload eWallet.
- Click “Auto-Reload” at the bottom right of the screen.
- Key in your auto-reload preference and you no longer have to worry about having insufficient balance again.
Frequently asked questions regarding TNG RFID
How does RFID work?
TNG RFID works as a passive system that does not require a card or device with a battery to work. An overhead scanner mounted at the toll booth will read the tag – a sticker applied to your vehicle.
The toll fee will then be deducted via TNG’s eWallet app, reloadable through credit or debit card or online bank transfers.
Is the RFID sticker durable?
According to TNG, the RFID sticker can last for five years on average. Its highly durable material can withstand various weather conditions, including heat and rain.
However, please avoid chemical washing directly onto the sticker.
Can you steal an RFID sticker?
The Touch ’n Go RFID sticker can only be registered and installed on one vehicle. Therefore, each sticker is unique to a specific vehicle.
Besides, according to TNG, the sticker is likely to damage once removed.
What are the differences between RFID and Smart TAG?
Here are the key differences between SmartTAG and RFID Tag.
| SmartTAG | RFID Tag |
| Onboard Unit – Device | Sticker |
| Mounted to the windscreen with a bracket | Affixed to windscreen or headlamp |
| Uses infrared signal to be detected at toll lanes | Uses radio frequency to be detected at toll lanes |
| Uses a battery for power | No additional device or battery needed |
| Toll fare deducted from TNG card | Toll fare deducted from TNG eWallet account |
| No registration and activation required | Requires registration and activation in the TNG eWallet |
| Can be used with any vehicle | Can only be registered and used on one vehicle |
TNG RFID is the way forward for Malaysian roads
The TNG RFID system is a step up from the IR-based SmartTAG. The use of RFID in toll collection promises an improved experience for road users and reduces delays at the lane.
Besides being hassle-free and contactless, the use of an eWallet makes it easier for motorists to monitor payments and manage reloads.
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