FORMER transport minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said it is time for Malaysia to adopt electronic licence plates (e-plates) that use radio frequency identification (RFID) technology.
According to the Ayer Hitam MP, 95% of countries in the world have already implemented RFID digital car plate systems.
He also stated that acrylic car plates cost between RM150 and RM300 when purchasing a new car.
“The amount can be used for placing the necessary components inside the e-plate,” Wee suggested when debating the Transport Ministry’s allocation in Budget 2023 at the committee stage in Parliament today.
The MCA president is of the opinion that the proposed new e-plate system can be implemented in phases and it need not be made compulsory.
Moreover, he stated that e-plates which are enhanced with the RFID technology will be able to curb car theft. Wee further noted that with the RFID, automatic number plate recognition can also be implemented.
Meanwhile, the Melaka-born politician encouraged the government to increase funding for the Transport Ministry in order to complete the digitalisation of the Road Transport Department (JPJ) which will benefit Malaysians in general.
The “mainframe” system which has been in use for more than 20 years is the foundation of JPJ’s MySikap system, claimed Wee.
Simultaneously, he reported that numerous experts were let go or transferred following the dissolution of the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) and the establishment of the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) in 2018.
“Some (former staff) went into the private sector. In what way will the Transport Ministry help APAD contract officers and staff?” penned Wee in a Facebook post later.
Furthermore, he emphasised the need of having qualified personnel in APAD because the organisation oversees all modes of public transportation.
“We used to have an enforcement agency under SPAD (the Land Public Transport Commission). But now, there isn’t any. It is time for us to re-look into this issue and it has been five years; we need to find a new direction, bring this up to the Cabinet so we can retain skilled staff in our system,” he stressed.
“We will support any initiatives that will benefit the people.” — March 22, 2023
Main photo credit: Bernama
