FOR years, PLUS (Projek Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan) has managed the north-south expressway where motorists have to face toll collections at different toll plazas across the country.
One perplexing problem with the tolls – apart from the high toll rates especially for ordinary people – is the persistent traffic congestions.
Despite numerous complaints there have been no systematic attempts on PLUS’s part to alleviate the traffic congestions that have been exacerbated by the increase in the number of vehicles on the road.
During weekends and festive seasons, it is nightmare to travel, and even a minor accident can possibly affect the flow of traffic along the highway.
There are two systems of toll payment with one being connected to the other – Touch ‘n Go and Smart Tag and for the longest time, travellers have gotten used to both interconnected systems without much problem.
However, with the introduction of a third system that comes in the form of the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system, a new problem has arisen.
The RFID system was introduced sparsely in the beginning, although its usage has picked up in the past few weeks to the point that it was even displacing the Smart Tag.
The sudden introduction of the RFID system has created confusion leading to massive traffic congestion near toll plazas.
In other words, motorists were simply unprepared for the new system which is essentially an electronic strip that needed to be pasted on either the headlamp or the windscreen of the car.
It has been found that not only RFID is expensive – it costs RM35 – but the plastic strip is not long-lasting either as they can easily be rendered inefficient by washing the vehicle several times.
The trouble with this country is that very little thinking or planning foes into managing traffic along highways.
Not only are the roads congested but the toll system has also become complicated with the abrupt introduction of the new RFID system.
I have also been told that price of the RFID tags fluctuates – most buyers were charged RM35 but those who have bought their tags online claim that they could get the tags for as low as RM1.
Ordinary Malaysians have already been burdened by the COVID-19 pandemic and any joy that they get in travelling after the long lockdown has been interrupted by the confusion at the toll plazas.
It is not about having an efficient toll system (although this would undeniably assist in smoothing the traffic flow); the real question here is why are we even burdened with toll payments?
If the Government has no money then it should stop the leakages emanating from corruption and other financial scandals.
No Government worthy of its name will justify the toll payment forever so it’s high time that they think out of the box! – Jan 21, 2022
Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is the state assemblyperson for Perai. He is also deputy chief minister II of Penang.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
