HomeLifestyleTouch 'n Go RFID - Here Are Your Questions Answered

Touch ‘n Go RFID – Here Are Your Questions Answered

Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) is a form of wireless communication that uses electromagnetic fields to transfer data. And one prominent use case of RFID technology in Malaysia is to pay for highway toll fees. This usage started with the Malaysia RFID Public Pilot Programme in 2018 and after rigorous testing over the years, Touch ‘n Go (TNG) RFID is now widely available at toll plazas across Malaysia.

With the halting of the sales of the SmartTag device back in 2018 and the expansion of RFID throughout Malaysian highways, it’s clear that TNG plans for RFID to be the main method for contactless payment at toll booths. Also, with the announcement by the Works Ministry in December 2021 that all toll plazas along the North-South Highway (PLUS) will support RFID payment from January 2022, there’s more reason for road users to adopt the technology. Here are some questions about the RFID system in Malaysia answered.

Table of Contents

How Does RFID Work?

TNG’s RFID works as a passive system that does not require a card and device with batteries to work. An overhead scanner (similar to the SmartTAG system) mounted at the toll booth reads the RFID tag (the sticker that is applied onto your vehicle) via electromagnetic fields. The toll fare will then be deducted from the Touch ‘n Go eWallet app that’s paired with the RFID tag. The funds for this are stored on the app and can be loaded through credit or debit cards, online bank transfers, or by purchasing a TNG eWallet reload PIN.

Where Can I Buy RFID Tag & Where Are the RFID Installation Locations?

If you’re wondering where to buy an RFID tag, you can do it on the Touch ‘n Go eWallet app. On the app’s homepage, simply select ‘Toll’ and ‘RFID’. You can then select ‘Order RFID Tag’ and input the required information to have it delivered to your address. If you can’t find the RFID icon on the app’s homepage, you can select ‘More’ to browse all services and find it under the Transport & Travel category. The price of an RFID tag/sticker is RM35. 

You can also purchase it at RFID installation or fitment centers in Malaysia and from Touch ‘n Go partners listed below. 

  • Shell
  • Watson
  • BHPetrol
  • Lazada
  • Shopee

Touch ‘n Go no longer provides free RFID installation as it did during the Public Pilot Programme, but installing the RFID tag on your car is a simple process that you can do at home. Here’s how to install the RFID tag yourself.

If you’d prefer to have it installed at a fitment center, you can visit any RFID installation locations currently available across nine states in Peninsular Malaysia which are Selangor, Pulau Pinang, Perak, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Melaka, and Kedah.

Where to Install RFID on My Car?

RFID tag on car

 

You can only install your RFID tag on your car’s windshield or headlights as the RFID is not able to work near metal. For it to work properly, the distance between the tag and any metal surface has to be at least 5 cm. However, as most Malaysian vehicles have solar tints which may be metalized, there could also be interference between the scanner and the sticker which may render the RFID sticker unusable. Before deciding where to install your RFID sticker, make sure to check that your window tint does not contain metal. Alternatively, you can get the fitment center to examine your windshield before the RFID installation.

How Durable Is the RFID Tag?

RFID tag on headlight

According to TNG, the RFID tag is made to last for an average of five years and is made of highly durable material that can withstand various weather conditions, including heat and rain. However, it’s recommended to avoid chemical wash directly on the tag to prolong its lifespan.

Can the RFID Sticker Be Stolen & Used by Another Party?

The sticker is damaged when removed, so it’s impossible to steal and reuse it. However, you can get a TNG RFID tag replacement by contacting TNG. For RFID stickers purchased at any authorized fitment center, you can simply visit the center to get your sticker replaced.

For self-fitment stickers, you can contact TNG directly to request an RFID replacement via email at careline@touchngo.com.my, via phone careline at 03-27148888, or by contacting them on their Facebook and Twitter social media channels. There’s also a list of TNG contact channels that you can check to get an RFID replacement.

Do note that the first RFID tag replacement is free of charge, but only if the sticker was fitted after 15 February 2020. Each subsequent replacement will cost you RM35.

How Do I Transfer My RFID Tag to Another Car?

As mentioned above, removing the sticker will damage it, so you won’t be able to transfer your RFID to a new car. When you sell your car, you need to deactivate your existing RFID tag to prevent it from being misused by the new owner. If you need an RFID tag for another car, the only way around it is to purchase a new tag and install it on your car.

What Happens If You Drive into a Lane with Insufficient RFID Balance?

Touch ‘n Go has mentioned that as of present, the toll fare display will show “Baki Kurang” (Insufficient funds). That said, you can simply top up your RFID balance on the TNG eWallet app and drive through the toll booth again. To avoid getting stuck at the toll booth, it’s best to check your RFID balance before you embark on your journey.

Can I Link Multiple RFID Tags to One TNG eWallet Account?

Yes. You can register and activate up to 10 RFID tags for 10 vehicles in your TNG eWallet. However, one vehicle can only be linked to one tag. Do note that to link a vehicle to your eWallet, you have to be the owner of the vehicle.

Why Does It Take So Long for the RFID Toll Barrier to Open?

Many lanes have different legacy configurations and the system integrators and concessionaires are working together to harmonize these lanes for RFID to reduce the deviation factor so that the experience is consistent for customers. While this issue may be common at the beginning of the Public Pilot Programme, most users should now have a smooth experience when driving through the TNG RFID toll lane.

On the occasion that the overhead RFID reader at the toll lane is unable to read your RFID tag you can get help from the customer service staff stationed at the plaza to read your vehicle’s RFID tag with a portable RFID reader so you can pay the toll fee and be on your way.

How Do I Check My RFID Balance, Can I Download a Transaction Statement?

You can check your RFID balance simply by checking the funds available in your TNG eWallet app. You can also check your RFID transaction history in the app to know how much you’ve spent on toll fees and at which toll plazas. On your TNG eWallet Home, simply select “Transaction History” to view your latest transactions.

tng ewallet statement

On this page, you can filter the transactions by date range or transaction type, and also send a copy of your RFID transaction statement to your email address. Once you have it in your email, you can save or print your RFID transaction statement.

How Long Does It Take To Reload My RFID Tag?

When you reload your TNG eWallet, the funds will be automatically available in your RFID tag. And since reloading your TNG eWallet is instant, you can immediately use the tag for toll payments. You can also set your eWallet to automatically reload once your fund balance dips below a certain threshold. This will ensure that you always have sufficient funds and prevent you from getting stuck at the toll gate.

How Do I Terminate/Cancel My TNG RFID Tag?

There are several ways to cancel your TNG RFID tag. If you registered your tag on the TNG RFID portal, you can do the self-termination by logging in to your portal account and selecting “Terminate” under the “My Vehicle” section. You can also contact Touch ‘n Go via their email, careline number, and social media channels.

You can also terminate your RFID via the TNG eWallet app. On the Home screen, simply select “Toll”, “RFID”, and then “Terminate Now” for the RFID tag that you want to terminate.

Can I Mix RFID with Other Payment Methods When Entering & Exiting a Closed Toll Highway?RFID tag lanes signange

Officially, highway concessionaires recommend using the same payment method when entering and exiting a highway to avoid penalty charges. Using different payment lanes when you enter and exit a highway (e.g. entering at an RFID lane and exiting at a SmartTAG lane) can cause you to be charged the maximum toll rate for that highway. If this happens to you, you can request a refund from Touch ‘n Go here within 30 days.

That said, PLUS has implemented ANPR (automated number plate recognition) technology throughout the North-South Expressway in 2022 to prepare for the MLFF (multi-lane free flow) highway system. 

This technology is able to identify your vehicle’s entry point by using cameras to read your vehicle number plate at the toll plaza, and thus, enable the toll payment system to correctly determine your toll charges even if you use different payment lanes. However, since the ANPR is still relatively new and not foolproof, it’s advised to use a single payment method to avoid penalty charges.

On Which Highways in Malaysia Can I Use RFID for Toll Payment?

You can use RFID to pay for tolls at a number of highways in Klang Valley, and the northern and southern regions of Peninsular Malaysia. Here are all the TNG RFID-enabled highways in Malaysia.

Northern region:

  • PLUS Highway
  • Butterworth Outer Ring Road (BORR)
  • First and second Penang Bridges

South region:

  • Senai – Desaru Expressway (SDE)
  • PLUS Highway

Klang Valley:

  • PLUS Highway
  • New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE)
  • Ampang – Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (AKLEH)
  • Besraya Expressway (BESRAYA)
  • Duta – Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE)
  • Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE)
  • Cheras – Kajang Highway (GRANDSAGA)
  • Grand Sepadu Highway (GRANDSEPADU)
  • Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS)
  • Kuala Lumpur – Kuala Selangor Expressway (LATAR)
  • Kajang – Seremban Highway (LEKAS)
  • Damansara – Puchong Expressway (LDP)
  • Kemuning – Shah Alam Highway (LKSA)
  • Kuala Lumpur – Karak Expressway (KLK)
  • Maju Expressway (MEX)
  • New Pantai Expressway (NPE)
  • Kajang Dispersal Link Expressway (SILK)
  • Stormwater Management And Road Tunnel (SMART)
  • Sistem Penyuraian Trafik KL Barat (SPRINT)
  • South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE)
  • West Coast Expressway (WCE)

There you have it, all your TNG RFID questions answered. We hope this article can help you with your RFID tag ownership experience from installation to daily usage and beyond. If you’re excited about RFID in Malaysia but don’t have a car to use it on yet, why not check out the exciting selection of used cars on CARSOME? Our cars go through a 175-point check to ensure their safety and quality for your peace of mind. Plus, they’re covered by a one-year warranty from CARSOME!

This content was originally published on 20/09/2018. It has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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