Give the RFID a chance

KUALA LUMPUR Jan 19 - Projek Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan or PLUS is one of Malaysia's iconic landmarks.

Over the weekend, the icon made history of sorts.

January 15 marked the beginning of the RFID system partly implemented at 82 toll plazas operated by PLUS to take over the decades old and going to be obsolete Smart Tag and Touch N Go.

RFID or radio identification system is the way of the future used in many induatries such as the logistics sector.

However, it was not all smooth sailing over the weekend when a large number of motorists faced problems using the RFID at some toll plazas.

For various technical reasons, the RFID was not able to detect the radio tags installed in some cars.

As a result, there were massive traffic jams choking several toll plazas.

Naturally, netizens vented their frustrations on socisl media baying for PLUS's blood.

Some of the comments were spiteful and too much that PLUS had to shut down the comments section.

Malaysians must give RFID a chance.

All new systems will face hurdles initially and smoothen out over time.

Remember the auto gate for all Malaysian passport owners at the Kuala International Airport?

The system had its share of technical glitches but the teething problems were sorted out over time.

Malaysians usually need time to adjust to new systems and should not lambast the RFID which been on a trial basis at selected toll plazas since 2018.

Hundreds of articles have been released by PLUS on the benefits of the RFID.

But here's a recap.

RFID eliminates the need for motorists to go for cash top ups everytime credit in their Touch N Go cards run out.

Highway users just need to have an e-wallet and the RFID will automatically deduct money from motorists' bank accounts.

RFID will eliminate the need for motorists to change batteries in their transponders.

RFID will also eliminate the need for motorists to wind down their windows and stick out their hands holding the Smart Tag transponder and hope for the sensor at the toll booth to pick it up.

And with RFID, motorists do not have to queue up at the Touch N Go lane which will eventually be phased out.

RFID eliminates the need for motorists to be in the "line of sight" of smart tag and touch n go sensors.

The RFID should, by right, be able to detect the radio tag on cars wherever it is positioned. 

The RFID has proven to be a success for companies such as Ikea to track down its product stacked in massive godowns and warehouses.

Logistic workers locate their products via the RFID, package it and then deliver it to customers.

RFID may be burdensome right now but ultimately over time, it will expedite traffic and facilitate PLUS to monitor overall traffic.

Whatever teething problems motorists and PLUS faced over the weekend, it will be resolved over time.

PLUS would have conducted studies on the effectiveness of the RFID which has been a success in Singapore, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and Australia to name a few.

It is time to say goodbye to the kilometers long queues at Touch N Go lanes designated for heavy vehicles.

It is time to switch to the RFID.

On a personal note, kudos to PLUS head of strategic stakeholder engagement Syed Mohammed Idid who has been working very hard to ensure RFID's success.

A familiar sight with the media, Syed has been updating the media tirelessly on the latest developments at PLUS.

PLUS is a cash cow  owned by the Employees Provident Fund.

On top of the dividends which EPF gives out to its members, maybe PLUS should consider relisting again on Bursa Malaysia to share it's profits with investors and the rakyat.

In this way, PLUS will get to reinforce its reputation as a company which truly belongs to the rakyat. - DagangNews.com