KUALA LUMPUR: The radio frequency identification (RFID) tags will be distributed to locally-registered vehicles by early next year, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Ab Aziz Kaprawi said the government is currently in talks with Touch ‘n Go to distribute RFID tags for free to locally-registered cars.
“The implementation of RFID system traffic flow at toll plazas will make traffic flow smoother,” he said in reply to a supplementary question from Anuar Abd Manap (BN-Sekijang).
Annuar had asked whether the government planned to implement RFID system on local vehicles.
It was reported that the system – similar in scope to Singapore’s Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) – would be ready for use next year, though implementation will be carried out in stages.
It is expected that RFID tag will eventually take over from Touch ‘n Go for toll collection in the future, though that will likely take some time.
Radio frequency identification works in a manner similar to barcode scanning.
The tag is ‘read’ by an overhead scanner through electromagnetic waves.
Operation-wise, RFID tag will be superior compared to the current system.
Meanwhile, while answering initial question from Anuar, Ab Aziz said the vehicle entry permit (VEP) charges is expected to be implemented end of this month.
“VEP was postponed because it involves modification works, installation of infrastructures, system development as well as system integration of agencies namely; Road Transport Department, the police and Customs Department as well as adjustment with agencies at the border,” he said.
Anuar had asked of the reason of implementation of the vehicle entry permit (VEP) had to be postponed and when it will be fully implemented. -- Reporting by Idris Musa, Hidir Reduan, Nor Ain Mohamaed Radhi and Siti Nur Mas Erah Amran