MyCC monitoring RFID implementation to ensure consumers' best interest, says CEO

PETALING JAYA: PLUS Malaysia Bhd and Touch ‘n Go (TnG)'s implementation of the radio frequency identification (RFID) system along PLUS highways will be monitored, says the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC).

MyCC CEO Iskandar Ismail said the Commission had initiated a meeting with PLUS and TnG on Jan 17 to have a better understanding of the nature of the matter and the latest progress in relation to the implementation of RFID.

Iskandar said taking into account the special responsibilities arising from the dominant positions of both enterprises in the relevant markets, MyCC will continue to monitor the situation from time to time.

He added that when any competition concern is identified, the Competition Act 2010 would be enforced.

“It is pertinent to remember that innovation-related markets can create uncertainty.

“Thus, MyCC will work closely with the government to ensure these changes will always serve the consumers’ best interest,” he said in a statement on Thursday (Jan 20).

He said while MyCC welcomes innovation such as the introduction of RFID in the toll collection system, the commission believes that the implementation of the system needs to be carried out effectively in order to achieve its objective.

“MyCC takes cognisance of the plans to ensure a seamless transition to RFID for highway users and the cooperation between PLUS and TnG in the relevant toll collection system," said Iskandar.

He added that in light of the increasing complaints by consumers on the issues related to the implementation of RFID across PLUS highways, MyCC also shared its assessment and concerns in the same meeting on the said implementation.

Iskandar said that this includes enabling access to other payment platforms for the payment of tolls not only via debit or credit cards but also other e-wallet systems.

“MyCC will also focus its efforts in consistently monitoring the development of the said implementation in line with its role in championing and promoting the process of competition in the interest of all Malaysians,” he said.

On Monday (Jan 17), highway users experienced traffic snarls on the North-South Expressway (NSE) stemming from detection issues with their vehicle RFID tags.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof then instructed PLUS to find a solution to the congestion issue.

"When it is a pioneering project, it will face certain issues that need to be solved," he told the media on Monday.

On Dec 16, the Works Ministry said toll transactions using RFID technology for private light vehicles would be implemented at the Juru route in Penang to Skudai in Johor on the NSE with effect from Jan 15.