HIGHWAY users will now have the option of using credit or debit cards at the Maju Expressway (MEX) Putrajaya toll plaza, which will be testing the open toll payment system on six lanes, starting tomorrow.  

Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi told a press conference this after conducting a visit to monitor system testing at the toll plaza today, saying this was in line with the Works Ministry’s initiative to implement an 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,” he said. 

He said the system would be fully implemented on MEX; Butterworth-Kulim Expressway; Western Kuala Lumpur Traffic Dispersal Scheme Expressway; Shah Alam Expressway: Damansara-Puchong Highway; SMART Tunnel; Duta-Ulu Klang Expressway; Penang Bridge; Sungai Besi Expressway, New Pantai Expressway, Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Expressway and Guthrie Corridor Expressway. 

The full implementation of the system on the 12 highways covers 31 toll plazas and 81 lanes, he said.  

Nanta said Maju Expressway Sdn Bhd, the MEX Expressway concession company, is one of the earliest highways that will implement the open toll system, where testing of the system has already started in July 2023, to ensure the readiness and smooth implementation of operations, in line with standards set by the Malaysian Highways Authority (LLM). 

“The Works Ministry has always been informed about the level of readiness and progress of testing, which is now being carried out in stages by LLM together with 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 the comfort and safety of highway users are always prioritised,” he said. 

He advised motorists to ensure sufficient card balances before using them for toll payment. – Bernama, August 2, 2023.