PUTRAJAYA, Aug 2 — Highway users now have the option of using credit or debit cards at the Putrajaya Toll Plaza of the Maju Expressway (MEX), which will be testing the open toll payment system on six lanes, starting tomorrow.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, speaking at a press conference after conducting a visit to monitor system testing at the Putrajaya Toll Plaza ealier today, said this is in line with the ministry’s initiative to implement the open toll payment system in stages on 12 selected highways.
“The system allows motorists to pay using a debit or credit card, at the same time providing new alternatives and convenience to motorists in the toll payment process, apart from existing methods, such as Touch ‘N Go, SmartTag and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID),” he said.
The system will be fully implemented on MEX (formerly known as Kuala Lumpur – Putrajaya Expressway); the Butterworth – Kulim Expressway (BKE); the Western Kuala Lumpur Traffic Dispersal Scheme (SPRINT) Expressway; the Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS): the Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP); the SMART Tunnel; the Duta – Ulu Klang Expressway (DUKE); the Penang Bridge (JPP); the Sungai Besi Expressway (BESRAYA), the New Pantai Expressway (NPE), the Ampang – Kuala Lumpur Elevated Expressway (AKLEH), and the Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE).
The full implementation of the system on the 12 highways covers 31 toll plazas and 81 lanes.
Nanta added that Maju Expressway Sdn Bhd (MESB), the MEX Expressway concession company, is one of the earliest highways which will implement the open toll system, where testing of the system began last month, to ensure the readiness and smooth implementation of operations, in line with the standards set by the Malaysian Highways Authority (LLM).
“The ministry has always been informed about the level of readiness and progress of testing, which is now being carried out in stages by LLM and the highway concessionaires.
“The implementation of the open toll system should be carried out carefully and in detail, taking into account various processes involved, such as technical aspects, security, legislation and the handling of the toll transaction record itself, to ensure that the comfort and safety of highway users is always prioritised,” he said.
Nanta advised motorists to ensure their debit and credit card balances are sufficient before using them for toll payment, in addition to touching the designated place at the designated terminal, to ensure toll payments goes smoothly.
— Bernama
