The government has ordered highway concessionaires to postpone the move to impose a minimum RM30 top-up rate for Touch n’ Go cards at toll plazas so as not to burden motorists, Bernama reports.
According to deputy works minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin, the plan for a minimum top-up rate was proposed by the Malaysian Association of Highway Concession Companies (PSKLM), which said it will help overcome congestion at top-up lanes at toll plazas during peak hours.
“The ministry has instructed the concession companies to postpone the proposed initiative and find other ways to overcome congestion at the toll plazas. The government is concerned with the burden shouldered by consumers, including those in the B40 category, and is always looking for ways to resolve problems amicably for all quarters,” she said.
The usage of Touch n’ Go cards has become commonplace for most toll transactions. The latest switch to electronic toll collection (ETC) involves PLUS – effective today, all transactions at toll plazas along the North-South Expressway are ETC-based. Motorists have to use either PLUSMiles, Touch ‘n Go or SmartTAG for all toll payments.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments mostly express frustration and skepticism about the RM30 minimum top-up requirement for Touch 'n Go, stating it unfairly burdens those who rarely use toll highways and could increase congestion due to queueing for top-ups. Several critics argue it benefits concessionaires financially by allowing them to earn interest on preloaded funds. There are calls for more convenient online top-up options without fees, and some suggest replacing toll booths with open-road electronic tolling systems to reduce congestion. Others feel the move is unnecessary, wasteful, or driven by profiteering, with sentiments that the government should address toll and infrastructure issues more effectively. Overall, the comments convey dissatisfaction with the new policy and concern about its impact on everyday motorists.