ALOR STAR: The Consumer Association of Kedah (Cake) lauded the Transport Ministry's decision to diversify highway toll payment methods by implementing an open payment system by September.

Its president, Yusrizal Yusoff, said that it was high time for the Federal Government to take steps to end Touch 'n Go Sdn Bhd's (TnG) monopoly in the payment system for tolls and public transport.

"We have received complaints about TnG's system. Some consumers have reported losing money on their TnG cards or accounts. It is also difficult to obtain and reload the cards.

"Thus, we applaud this effort from the Federal Government to end TnG's monopoly over the highway toll payment service system.

"The company has been profiting for a long time since it is the only one that offer services for highway toll payments," he said after conducting pre-Ramadan goods price and supply checks at Pasar Besar Alor Star here today.

Yusrizal said providing alternative toll payment solutions would help alleviate some traffic congestion, particularly near highway tolls.

"The current situation where people are forced to use TnG cards is causing significant congestion on highways.

"What is often the case is when some cards are not functioning properly as they are damaged. This is a serious problem that affects many consumers.

"By offering alternative payment methods, consumers can enjoy greater convenience as they have more flexibility when it comes to choosing a payment method," he added.

Yesterday, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said five highways would begin implementing an open payment system by September.

On Monday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the ministry had instructed all agencies, including public transport operators under the ministry's purview, to create an open payment system application.

He said several months would be needed to integrate the open payment system.

This came after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had said the government would review the monopoly held by TnG as there had been no improvement on its services.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/03/891615/kedah-consumer-group-lauds-ministrys-decision-diversify-toll-payment