Tag Archives: toll

NEWS

50% highway toll discount on Jan 27 & 28 in conjunction with CNY

Highway users can look forward to a 50% discount on tolls on January 27 and 28 in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebrations.

This was announced by the Minister of Works, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, in an official statement released on January 24.

According to the statement, the discount will be implemented starting from 12:01 AM on 27 January 2025 (Monday) and will end at 11:59 PM on 28 January 2025 (Tuesday).

The discount is specifically for Class 1 private vehicles at all toll plazas, except for the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) Toll on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) and the Tanjung Kupang Toll on the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link Expressway (LINKEDUA).

“The discount is a continuation of the festive season toll assistance consistently provided by the government for all four major festive seasons in the Peninsular since 2023,” said Nanta.

During this period, the government has spent RM356.18 million as compensation for implementing the Festive Season free toll initiative from 2023 to 2024.

For this discount initiative, the financial implications for the government to reimburse the toll concession companies involved are estimated to total RM20.08 million.

“My previous announcement regarding toll waivers during festive seasons, which were set to end after Christmas 2024, was based on the Cabinet’s decision on December 20, 2024.

“However, today’s Cabinet meeting agreed to provide a 50% toll discount for Chinese New Year 2025, in line with the MADANI Government’s agenda of to promote unity and the well-being of the people, supported by the government’s strong financial position resulting from subsidy rationalisation programmes and increased investment and trade,” he added.

NEWS

No more toll exemptions during festive seasons starting this year

Every time the festive season arrives, the government will offer highway toll exemptions to ease the travel burdens of the rakyat travelling back to their hometowns.

However, this practice will be stopped starting this year in lieu of a more targeted approach.

According to the Minister of Works, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, this matter was decided at a cabinet meeting last year.

Nevertheless, he stated that the government will replace the cessation of free tolls with a more targeted approach.

Without specifying the targeted approach, he said: “There will be no more free tolls during the festive season.”

“We will announce the more targeted approach in the near future. Last year, the government decided that 2024 would be the final year for free tolls during the festive season.”

Photo by PROLINTAS

Previously, the government said that it had to cover the costs of providing free tolls.

On average, the government pays about RM20 million daily to the highway concessionaire companies through the provision of free tolls.

Just last year, the government paid RM80.07 million for Aidilfitri, RM42.31 million for Deepavali, RM41.21 million for the Chinese New Year, and RM38 million for Christmas.

The provision of free tolls last Christmas was the final instance of such government support during the festive season.

NEWS

Government to issue RFP to reduce cost of MLFF project

Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the government is considering issuing a request for proposal (RFP) as an alternative approach for the RM3.46 billion Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) project, reports The Edge.

Ahmad Maslan explained that the moves aims to reduce the project’s costs, adding that the ministry had already announced its intention to issue the RFP.

“We have announced that we will issue an RFP as a ‘Plan B’. At the same time, we are giving until December for the companies involved in the MLFF proposal project,” he said.

He made the remarks in response to a supplementary question from Roslan Hashim (Perikatan Nasional-Kulim Bandar Baru) who wanted to know the current status of the MLFF project.

The MLFF is a barrier-free system designed to replace the existing booth-based toll collection system. It utilises gantries equipped with radio-frequency identification (RFID) devices along with an automated number plate recognition (ANPR) system for toll collection.

The proposed MLFF system is estimated to cost RM3.46 billion for 33 highways in Malaysia.

Last year, 32 highway toll concessionaires opposed the government’s move to appoint a YTL Holdings-related company to implement a barrier-free system a toll plazas due to the private entity’s lack of track record.

The concessionaires are concerned that allowing a third party to take over toll collection might result in leakages.

In February this year, FMT reported that senior executives from the Berjaya Group had been meeting with representatives of the 32 concessionaires to explain what they have in mind and to get their feedback before submitting its final proposal to the works ministry.

Last week, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi stated that negotiations for the MLFF system are ongoing, with several stages yet to be finalised before a decision is reached.

NEWS

Lokatag introduces toll reader with built-in dashcam, AI, GPS – RM1,799

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The Lokatag, which was previously introduced in 2019 as a toll accessory, today unveils their new product.

Known as Lokatag Pro, it is a toll reader device for Touch ‘n Go (TNG) cards, but also features a built-in digital recorder camera (dashcam), AI functionality, and GPS. All of these features make Lokatag Pro an all-in-one device.

According to Amtel Holdings Berhad, the product is designed to meet the demands of modern drivers.

“We are entering a new era in automotive accessories where safety, innovation, and connectivity are combined in a smart platform known as the ‘Loka Ecosystem’,” said Chester Koid, CEO of Amtel Holdings Berhad.

Lokatag Pro utilizes Efkon infrared technology and supports both new and old generation TNG NFC cards.

For additional safety, the dashcam is equipped with a Sony IMX336 sensor capable of recording up to 2K resolution.

The AI Voice function provides the latest updates on card balances and other notifications, available in three languages: Malay, English, and Mandarin. This AI voice can also provide alerts for insurance payments.

The provided e-SIM in Lokatag Pro offers connectivity services such as GPS, alerts, Over The Air (OTA) updates, and a G-sensor that can identify suspicious car activities.

Lokatag aims to reach 500,000 users within the next three years.

Furthermore, Lokatag has announced a partnership with Zurich Malaysia as an insurance partner. This collaboration is expected to improve the insurance and takaful claiming process within the Loka App, which was also introduced at the same launch event.

Lokatag Pro is offered at a price of RM1,799 and for every pre-order, Zurich is offering a complimentary insurance package. More information regarding this insurance package will be announced soon.