Following the recent traffic congestion issues after the wide-scale RFID rollout on PLUS highway, several netizens have gone on a witch hunt to find out who’s responsible. In the past few days, some speculated that SMTrack Berhad, a company that specialises in RFID technology, is behind the RFID implementation at highway toll plazas. SMTrack has issued a response to refute the allegations made and has warned that it may take legal action against those who made baseless allegations.
According to the statement, SMTrack Berhad Deputy Executive Chairman Azmi bin Osman has refuted these baseless allegations in order to stand with the Company’s Independent non-Executive Director and substantial shareholder. He has also denied involvement with RFID projects for toll plazas but has expressed support for the technology.
It is worth pointing out that RFID usage isn’t just limited to highway tolling. It has a wide range of applications which include advertising, asset tracking, identification as well as product tagging for retail to prevent theft.
SMTrack is not involved in RFID projects at toll plazas
Azmi said “To date, SMTrack is not involved in the RFID projects at the toll plazas. Of course, as a company that specialises in RFID solutions, we believe in the value-add that this technology will bring to our community. We are confident that the introduction of RFID at toll plazas would improve efficiency and traffic. This is because proper tests have been conducted and it has been in use for more than two years.”
“Travelling would become seamless, and it’s something that we believe we can help contribute to the project, with our main aim to contribute to the convenience of the public. However, at this juncture, we are not involved in the project,” he added.
Azmi has also refuted allegations that the appointment of Dato’ Saiful Nizam Bin Mohd Yusiff as an Independent non-Executive Director of the Company is related to his political connections. Azmi said the appointment of Saiful was done based solely on his merits and experience and he is not involved in the day-to-day business decisions and operations. Saiful Nizam started his carrier as a Project Executive in the oil and gas industry and he’s also the Managing Director of Menara Rezeki Group. He is also the son-in-law of former Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
SMTrack’s statement also clarified that Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew was not involved in any lobbying activities for any projects for the company despite being a substantial shareholder. It emphasised that SMTrack is a public-listed entity and any investor who has the confidence could invest in the company via the open market. Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew is the founder of The Mines Resort and Country Heights Holdings. He acquired 28.5 million SMTrack shares in December last year which is equivalent to a 5.051% equity stake.
The Deputy Executive Chairman said the political propaganda spread against SMTrack is irresponsible and it could confuse the public and destroy the reputation of the listed entity. Not only it would potentially affect the integrity of Malaysia’s capital market but also confuse the public on the benefits of RFID technology.
He added that the company would not hesitate to take legal action against these baseless accusations to protect the integrity of the company. He said if these accusations led to the departure of their prominent investors and credible leaders such as Tan Sri Lee and Dato Saiful Nizam, there will be a damaging impact on the Group’s reputation.
SMTrack is also involved in 5G project funding
Two weeks ago, a consortium that consists of SMTrack Berhad, Country Heights Holdings Berhad, Jaikun International Berhad, Sersol Berhad, Techna-X Berhad and MQ Technology Berhad has signed a Heads of Agreement (HOA) with 5G Infra Tech Solution Sdn Bhd to undertake a series of corporate exercises to raise funds for 5G-related projects for Digital Nasional Berhad. The consortium will look into joint-venture funding for the installation of 5G towers.
5G InfraTech Executive Chairman Dato Saiful Nizam revealed Ennova was the first to sign a memorandum of agreement to finance the rollout of the 5G network. He said Ennova plans to install and maintain 350 telco towers around Kuala Lumpur and they can easily roll out 10,000 towers nationwide with the huge financing from 5G InfraTech.
Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit Chairman, Mohd Redzuan said the consortium led by SMTrack would enable Malaysia’s 5G network projects to be locally funded and it will save billions of foreign exchange outflow for the country.
Related reading
- JPJ might introduce RFID-embedded number plate or road tax for Malaysian vehicles
- TNG monopoly on highways to end in 2025 when MLFF is implemented with RFID
- PLUS says sorry for RFID issues, 43 SmartTAG lanes will be reinstated at 34 toll plazas
- 6 things PLUS and TNG should do for smoother RFID rollout
