Touch ‘n Go has big news to share today. SmartTAG, which many Malaysians may know as a wireless device for paying road tolls, is now being discontinued. Purchase of SmartTAG will no longer be possible effective immediately. Following this news, Touch ‘n Go explains that it will be introducing an RFID sticker as the alternative to SmartTAG, with public testing to begin on 3rd September 2018.

Pre-registration for the RFID sticker can be done here. The company understands that there may be a lot of apprehension regarding the introduction of RFID, and has provided a PDF explaining some frequently asked questions.

According to the document, RFID is a new electronic toll payment system which uses an electronic sticker to pass through tolls. The RFID tag sports a radio frequency chip, which only authorised personnel can install onto the windscreen or headlamp of a user’s vehicle. It can only be registered with and installed on one vehicle, meaning that each RFID sticker is unique.

Toll booths will have overhead scanners that read the chip in the stickers. As it detects the chip, the company deducts from drivers’ Touch ‘n Go eWallets. The toll barrier is then lifted for drivers to pass.

This move from Touch n’ Go heavily emphasises on cashless transactions. RFID is tied to the Touch n’ Go eWallet mobile app, which requires that you own a smartphone. This app handle value reloads, payments, as well as funds transfers. The app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and App Store. For more information on the Touch n’ Go eWallet, visit the company’s official website.

CUrrently, Touch n’ Go plans to begin the pilot phase of RFID in the Klang Valley on Class 1 vehicles (motorcars, vans, jeeps and pickups). If you do register for the pilot phase of the RFID sticker, Touch n’ Go will waive costs for the RFID sticker. However, you will still have to pay for tolls.