Explain RM35 price of RFID tags, says minister

 

The introduction of RFID lanes for highway toll payments on Jan 15 led to congestion at certain toll plazas and widespread public criticism. (PLUS pic)

PETALING JAYA: The government is awaiting a detailed report from highway operator PLUS and payments company Touch ‘n Go about the RM35 cost of RFID stickers, works minister Fadillah Yusof said today.

He said the two companies had been instructed to provide the rationale behind charging RM35. Any decision to lower the retail price of RFID stickers would depend on the report, which would be evaluated jointly with the finance ministry.

Fadillah Yusof.

“We want to know whether charging RM35 is justifiable. Otherwise, we will ensure a reduction in the cost for consumers,” he said at a press conference after inspecting the Kuala Terengganu bypass project today.

An RFID sticker costs RM35. But questions about the cost have been raised by the public and some politicians who say the sticker can be easily damaged and cannot be used on another vehicle. Some netizens have also said that generic RFID tags can be bought online for as little as RM3.80 each.

PLUS opened at least one RFID lane at all 83 toll plazas on the North-South Highway on Jan 15 but problems with detection caused congestion at major toll plazas and widespread public criticism. - FMT