Disruption in RFID system: Fix shortcomings before rushing into implementing unilateral system

Reports of two-way vehicle congestions at several toll plazas located along the North-South Highway (PLUS) due to a disruption in the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology system must be taken seriously.

Previously, on 18 December 2021, MCA Youth issued a statement requesting the attention of the government and its related agencies and subsidiaries to obtain public feedback before deciding to shut the Touch 'n Go (TnG) and SmartTag lanes in stages to implement this RFID system.

We believe there are existing imperfections in the RFID system which incur consumer annoyance. The government needs to ensure that the system is properly prepared before fully implementing it to prevent consumer distrust in a system introduced by the government even though in normal circumstances, it is a good and sophisticated system.

MCA Youth reiterates our position: The government should upgrade the existing facilities first, including directing ‘Touch N Go’ service providers to provide value-added functionality, while optimising the RFID system. This is because, many have expressed dissatisfaction with the RFID system viewing it as problematic.

Recognising that the government intends to optimise facilities to provide better services to the public, MCA Youth nevertheless asserts that the rakyat’s plight must also be taken into account.

People have also voiced their discontent as  the unilateral implementation of the RFID is viewed as restricting an individual’s freedom to make one’s own choices by not maintaining the usage of the previous transactions. People are more comfortable with the option of using the existing system.

Observing social media, many road users have voiced their grievances of certain lanes being closed to make way for functional RFID lanes.

Every system has its own pros and cons. We do not deny the benefits of RFID. However, it is better if the government tries to avoid 'coercion' unto the public as the rakyat are just starting to rebuild their lives life after enduring the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and also the massive floods disasters.

Meanwhile, activities to promote RFID should be continued by the related quartres so that people will have the opportunity to comprehend the functional benefits of this system in greater detail.

(For further reference: https://www.utusan.com.my/nasional/2022/01/sesak-sebab-rfid/)

Chua Hock Kuan
MCA Youth Vice Chairperson

-MCA Online-