RM49 million in unclaimed Touch ‘n Go rebates, reveals daily

Low awareness on the rebate scheme due to to the lack of advertising has been cited as a factor as to why many were not in the know. An estimated RM49 million Touch 'n Go rebates have gone unclaimed, says Sinar Harian. - The Malaysian Insider pic, December 24, 2013.An estimated RM49 million in rebates for Touch 'n Go and SmartTag users have gone unclaimed since 2009, Sinar Harian said today.

The Malay daily revealed that many consumers were unaware that there were rebates to be claimed, while some said that the process was too complicated and did not bother claiming them.

There were about 100,000 who claimed the rebates, but only 70,000 who did it consistently, sources said.

Low awareness on the rebate scheme due to to the lack of advertising has been cited as a factor as to why many were not in the know.

Also, consumers who claimed the rebate complained that the rebates can only be claimed at selected outlets, and during a particular time and day of the week.

Sinar Harian reported that the rebates were supposed to be available at any sales counter on highways. The rebates, however, can only be done at certain dates of the month: from the 1st to the 9th and from the 15th to the end of the month.

Sha'ani Abdullah, Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association deputy president, said that the rebate is not a solution to reduce the burden of high toll rates.

"Not everyone gets the rebate since it is tied to terms and conditions. Perhaps some of those who claim the rebate benefits. But what about those who did not?"

Touch 'n Go Sdn Bhd (TGSB) told the daily that it does not hold the rebate since it is channelled from the Finance Ministry to a special unit called Universal Trustee, who then distributes the money to TGSB.