Plus is now using AI to alert users to traffic congestion

PLUS Malaysia Berhad managing director Datuk Azman Ismail (right) shaking hand with Microsoft Malaysia managing director K. Raman during the photo opportunity of the event. PLUS embarking on a digital transformation journey with Microsoft to modernize the highway experience in Malaysia. IZZRAFIQ ALIAS / The Star. June 25, 2019.

Plus Malaysia Bhd is planning to use artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics and the Cloud to better predict traffic congestion and monitor the safety of its highways. 

The company is partnering with Microsoft to use its Azure platform, which will allow it to store and analyse traffic data from its closed-circuit television (CCTV) for traffic congestion.

The information will then be relayed to users via the Plus mobile app so they can plan their journey better.

“The images displayed are based on real-time information and users will be informed on actual situations on location as we will refresh and update the data every 10 seconds,” said Plus managing director Datuk Azman Ismail. 

"As our highway networks continue to expand across Malaysia, servicing an ever-growing number of road users, we acknowledge the need to not just digitally transform, but to also embrace a new organisation culture." 

He added Plus will also be installing more traffic sensors along the highway to help improve its traffic prediction system.

“We will look at scenarios and trigger points to inform us if there will be traffic congestion or other unusual traffic movements,” he said. 

He hopes that the data provided via the app will help users to make informed decisions such as taking a different suggested route or using the Rest Stop.

Plus chief technology and innovation officer Shamsul Izhan Abdul Majid said the company is also using machine learning to analyse CCTV footage for stalled cars and accidents, but it's still in the pilot stage. 

“The traditional approach is when a user sees a congestion or an accident, they will contact the Plus call centre for help or to get information. The CCTV is only used for validation,” he said. 

“But with machine learning, our CCTV will be able to detect certain incidents first and allow us to quickly act on it instead of waiting for a user to contact us.” 

New features such as enhanced traffic information will be added gradually to the mobile app in various stages, said Izhan.

Over 1.7 million vehicles use Plus highways on a daily basis, which includes the North-South Expressway (NSE) and New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), as well as the Penang Bridge.