By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 21: Malaysia’s push towards barrier-free tolling has seen pilot projects by PLUS Malaysia Berhad and PNB Prolintas record millions of vehicles, as the government studies South Korea’s experience in implementing a Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system.
According to a Facebook post by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, PLUS’ pilot project using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology through its JustGO application had recorded more than 90,000 active users involving 3.27 million vehicles as of Oct 20.
The project, launched in January this year along the Hutan Kampung–Sungai Dua stretch, covers 93 toll plazas and 966 lanes.
Meanwhile, PNB Prolintas’ proof-of-concept project on the Kemuning–Shah Alam Expressway (LKSA), conducted with Touch ‘n Go and CIMB, has detected more than 11.3 million vehicles of various classes since its launch in November 2024.
The project uses ANPR and radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and has recorded a reported vehicle detection rate of 99.98 per cent.
Nanta described the results as an important step towards testing more flexible toll payment methods ahead of the eventual implementation of MLFF, which would allow motorists to pass through toll points without stopping at physical barriers.
To assess how the system could be implemented more widely, Nanta and a delegation from the Works Ministry, agencies and industry players visited the Gangneung Interchange along South Korea’s Donghae Expressway.
They received a briefing from Korea Expressway Corporation (KEC) on the country’s smart tolling configuration, including vehicle number plate recognition, electronic payment integration and traffic management without toll barriers.
South Korea’s system has undergone years of refinement since implementation began in 2010, offering Malaysia a reference point as it evaluates the technology and operational requirements for its own transition.
Nanta cautioned that implementing MLFF involved more than removing toll barriers, with technological accuracy, integration between highway concessionaires, data security and payment convenience requiring careful consideration.
The delegation also visited the Inje–Yangyang Tunnel, South Korea’s longest road tunnel at nearly 11 kilometres, to study its safety monitoring and emergency response systems.
“The tunnel uses closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance and incident detection technology to identify potential hazards, including accidents, stopped vehicles and dangerous movements.
“Fire protection facilities, emergency passages and response procedures also form part of its safety arrangements,” he explained.
The minister said Malaysia would continue studying international practices and evaluating approaches suited to the country’s highway industry, infrastructure and public interest.
“The ultimate goal is not the most advanced technology in name, but a system that truly works and benefits the people,” he said. —DayakDaily
