The transport ministry’s new JPJePlate is significantly different from the number plate that we are all familiar with. In addition to a more eye-catching look, the JPJePlate features a number of key technologies that future-proofs the plate for intelligent transportation system (ITS) integration possible payment options.
The JPJePlate looks distinctively European because it based on the IDePlate from Tonnjes, a German company that specialises in electronic vehicle identification. One of identification methods of the plate is an integrated RAIN (RAdio frequency IdentificatioN) passive RFID (radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip.
RFID technology is something we’re all exposed to daily, be it having to scan a card to get into our condominiums or housing area. For those plying tolled roads, the technology is available as an option for toll payments at almost all major highways via Touch ‘n Go.
In this post, we’re comparing the RFID technologies used by TnG and the JPJePlate. Before getting into the details, let’s focus on the commonalities. First up, both operate on ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio waves and are passive type systems, meaning there’s no need for a powered antenna to transmit radio signals to a reader.
Instead, the RFID tag/chip will transmit the necessary info when accessed by the RFID reader, providing the information exchange in encoded fashion. Where the TnG RFID tag operates at a frequency between 919 and 923 MHz, the JPJePlate is operating in the 860 to 930 MHz range.
How the RFID is implemented is also different for both systems. For the TnG system, there is a RFID tag embedded into a sticker that the user must attach to the exterior of the vehicle, be it on the headlamps, or in some cases, on windscreens – some even found success sticking it on the number plate frame.
Meanwhile, the JPJePlate has a RFID chip integrated into the embossed aluminium licence plate, with the plate serving as a “big antenna” for a stronger signal. This should reduce instances where the RFID tag can’t be detected due to improper placement, an issue that sometimes still happens today – spotted any long queues on the RFID lane at toll booths recently?
In addition to a chip on the plate, the JPJePlate also has a redundancy in the form of another RFID tag stuck onto the windscreen for when the plate can’t be read. A third method that isn’t RFID-related but helps provide a more consistent and accurate form of identification is the embossed and tamper-proof alphanumeric on the plate itself. We were informed by Tonnjes that the RFID and holograms on the embossed number plate are made to the same security standards as what’s used in international passports.
The design is also standardised and with an intentional font design so you can say goodbye to fancy number plates that can confuse automated number plate recognition (ANPR) systems. On that mention, the new number plate design and its RFID capability will aid with the future implementation of multi-lane free flow (MLFF) toll collection, which does away with traditional toll booths. According to Tonnjes, the RFID element can be used as an identifier at speeds of up to 230 km/h.
On the matter of money, the TnG RFID is linked to the company’s eWallet, so toll payments are deducted from your balance. Should you sell you vehicle, you can terminate the RFID tag via the app and the new owner can simply replace it with their own at a cost of RM35.
For the JPJePlate, it is not yet known how toll payments will be carried out if ever the function goes live. Judging by how specific the plate is to each vehicle, a change in ownership will cost more for the new as the plate is priced at RM98. Perhaps there is a way to retain the plate but update the credentials or link the plate to a different account; we’ll see.
So, there you have it. These are some of the differences between TnG and the JPJePlate’s RFID system. While the initial bulk of the JPJePlate is for electric vehicles (EVs) only, eventually all newly registered cars (including combustion engine ones) will make the switch to the new plate design, but this will be optional for existing ones. Thoughts?
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Now we are extremely confused this is same colour as taxi number plate
Can only hope they were smart enough to get the inverse colour scheme that matches our current white characters on black background. Takkan la so dumb tak bagi vendor requirement to ikut exixsting colour scheme. It’s not like it can’t be done with these stamped plates. Or they didn’t tender it out properly…can never say with the way things work in gomen.
Peluang untuk jadi kaya！
Another toll collector system and another headache. When to abolish toll as promise?
1. “Instead, the RFID tag/chip will transmit the necessary info when accessed by the RFID reader, providing the information exchange in encoded fashion. Where the TnG RFID tag operates at a frequency between 919 and 923 MHz, the JPJePlate is operating in the 860 to 930 MHz range.
There is an overlap of frequency of both RFIDs in the range from 920-922 MHz
2. “We were informed by Tonnjes that the RFID and holograms on the embossed number plate are made to the same security standards as what’s used in international passports.”
Any human designed security system can be hacked. Don’t underestimate the knowledge of local hackers
3. “Should you sell you vehicle, you can terminate the RFID tag via the app and the new owner can simply replace it with their own at a cost of RM35.”
So the seller and the buyer has to fork out more $$$ to buy new RFID!!!
4. “Judging by how specific the plate is to each vehicle, a change in ownership will cost more for the new as the plate is priced at RM98.”
RM 98 for a number plate constantly being hit by stones from vehicles in front will requires constantly changing the number plate. RM98 is not cheap and there is no assurance that this wil be the standard price through out Malayisa!
Bottom line is this gov, after having urinated on the people with their reformati and now the halal issue, wants to suck our hard earned money for them to give to the renk seeking types!!
So what you suggestion instead of keep complaint when gov try to address issue that been a problem for most of RFID user and stuck at toll as this waste some many time most of the people, did you ever think about it. Instead they had not release full info about this plate yet, after getting full info can condenm if it burden the people.
Just copy Singpaore system… whats so difficult!!
Do you have idea how much it cost for each in-car erp device? It’s over 150 SGD, do you think Malaysians will be keen to pay that?
When we having booth and barrier free highways. Promises promises. Other countries implement so quickly. Too many people in the pipeline as usual.
Is this number plate halal as per Jakim qualifications? /s
This RFID plate has been something people in the industry working on 20 years ago. Every one wants to monopolize and making easy bucks from it. But the technology wasn’t ready for it at that time as RFID cannot work well with metal around it. Let’s see how well will this go?
It will be interesting to see if having 3 RFID tags … TNG, eplate and it’s backup on windscreen, will cause confusion to the reader. Like another reader noticed, there’s overlap in the frequency range so this will likely to be a problem. As it is, TNG RFID is already interfering with my condolences access card.
When this plate works in EU for many years, engineered and tested for mamy years. System that works for many years in EU. I google can not find any issue with number plates. Why so many comments below. Are you guys not just against new tech as can not manipulate anymore? I think is time we grow up and replace these plastic childish number plates.
look at all you Malaysians living under a rock. EU has implemented this for years and it’s been successful. this is not some cap ayam company that’s providing such tech. learn to read up and research before drawing conclusions and bashing anything you read? Knowledge comes with self education. don’t be a keyboard warrior and asyik complain for the littlest things.
yes please standardized all plate. no more fancy number.
The white background is so ugly like taxi plates. Why can’t they remain our usual black background with the new metal plates?
And Euro fonts? Why not use SG style fonts instead. Those look miles better compared to this.
They putting RFID in the plate so they can charge more for it? What if we don’t want RFID? And they should open up more RFID lane dulu la before scamming people into buying RFID.
1 mth with ev plate, jpj still not getting the rfid registered to work.