PLUS explains why RFID lanes at Jalan Duta were congested on Monday morning

On Monday morning, there were reports of long queues in front of RFID lanes at the Jalan Duta toll plaza on PLUS highway. The highway concessionaire has issued a statement to provide clarity on the matter and turns out it isn’t a problem with the RFID technology itself.

Based on an investigation conducted by PLUS, it was ascertained that there were a number of cases of drivers with insufficient balance attempting to reload their Touch ‘n Go eWallet at the RFID lanes during the peak hours between 8.00am and 8.59am on 21st February 2022. PLUS has apologised for the inconvenience and they will guide users with insufficient balance to park their vehicles at a safe location away from traffic in front of the RFID lane to conduct their eWallet reload.

Always ensure you have sufficient balance

Whether you’re using the physical Touch ‘n go card, SmartTAG or RFID, all users are reminded to ensure sufficient balance before starting their journey. To avoid the embarrassing “BAKI KURANG” situation in the future, RFID users are encouraged to enable auto-reload in the Touch ‘n Go eWallet app. This can be enabled from the TNG eWallet app and you can set your preferred reload amount as well as when to reload.

RFID users are also reminded to enter and exit the PLUS highway using the same payment method. If you enter via RFID, you should also exit via RFID to avoid any shocking penalty charges. If this is your first time using RFID, you are advised to slow down when approaching the lane and ensure sufficient distance from the car in front of you.

How to enable auto-reload in TNG eWallet?

To enable auto-reload in your Touch ‘n Go eWallet, just follow the steps below:

1. Launch the Touch ‘n Go eWallet app
2. Tap on Reload on the top left corner (tap on eWallet balance)
3. Tap on Auto-Reload on the bottom right corner
4. Set when to auto-reload and the auto-reload amount (e.g. If balance fall below RM50, auto reload RM50)
5. Select your prefered payment card and hit save

Other causes of RFID issues

Besides insufficient balance, there were also cases of non-RFID vehicles entering the RFID lane. The dedicated RFID lanes are only meant for RFID users and it won’t work for SmartTAG or physical Touch ‘n Go cards.

There are also reports of RFID tag detection issues that are caused by improper installation. Touch ‘n Go, who issues the RFID tags, recommends that you install the tag outside your vehicle either on the passenger side windscreen or on the headlamp. The RFID tag should be placed at least 5cm away from your car’s metal framework.

Some users have tried unconventional installation methods such as using the tag handheld or attaching it inside the vehicle with an “RFID holder“. Although this may work for some users, it may not work for everyone due to tinting or other interference factors. The RFID tag also has a security feature where it will be rendered useless if someone tries to tear it after installation. In case you didn’t know, each RFID tag which is sold for RM35 each by Touch ‘n Go comes with a one-time free replacement.

How’s your RFID experience so far? Let us know in the comments below.

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