AS its radio frequency identification (RFID) system has irked motorists beyond decent words, PLUS Malaysia Bhd resorted to temporarily disabling its Facebook comments section, only to receive more brickbats from expressway users.
As Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof directed the expressway concessionaire to find a solution to the congestion issue reportedly happening at its toll plazas following implementation of the RFID system, veteran journalist Datuk A. Kadir Jasin lambasted PLUS for “shutting down its feedback channel” instead of resolving weakness of the RFID system.
“If expressway users don’t convey feedback, the bosses at the executive suites and PLUS boardroom wouldn’t be aware that the RFID launch across Peninsular Malaysia didn’t live up to expectation,” he pointed out in a Facebook posting.
“In essence, if PLUS doesn’t want to get whacked by expressway users, it should have done a proper job instead of merely seeking empty publicity.”
As a staunch supporter of PLUS, Kadir said he is disappointed with the attitude of PLUS management especially when he has been writing in favour of the North-South Expressway project since it was built in the mid-1980s.
Meanwhile, a PLUS spokesman told FocusM that the comment section on PLUS Facebook which was reportedly shut down – except for the “like” and “share” options – has been “re-opened” to the public.
Netizen Lana Ibrahim who posted her comment four hours earlier summed up the sentiment felt by numerous expressway users.
“Suffice with Touch & Go (TnG) and SmarTAG … Please don’t cause more hassle with other options … Once wrong pasted or torn, the RFID can’t be detected anymore,” she lamented.
“This country is a joke like always. Implement first and research later. Nobody is denying that the RFID is robust but if system is still unstable, then give us option. Why close down the SmartTag lane?”
On its part, PLUS has responded to complaints by assuring expressway users that actions have been taken to improve the RFID usage.
“We will deploy more PLUS personnel to be on the ground and scan the RFID tags on the vehicles with a handheld device if any users encounter any detection issues.”
PLUS also said that if the tag remained undetectable, a coupon for a full detection diagnostic at the nearest TnG fitment centre will be provided. If detection issues persist after the test, TnG will replace RFID tags for free. – Jan 19, 2022
