The congestion took place as highway operator PLUS and payment systems company Touch ‘n Go kept certain lanes open only for the RFID system, which provides for free flow at toll plazas.

Fadillah said the two companies must solve all the problems immediately “so that it does not cause inconvenience to road users, especially to avoid traffic congestion or congestion at toll booths”.

Regarding complaints about the RFID system, which uses radio identification tags on cars, Fadillah said the system was still a pilot project, with only one of the toll lanes equipped with RFID sensors.

Other lanes were still open for motorists using Smart Tag and Touch ‘n Go payment systems, he said.

The RFID system comes into use today on the North-South Expressway from the Juru toll plaza in Penang to the Skudai toll plaza in Johor. PLUS has said that at least one RFID lane would be provided at all 83 toll plazas along the 657km route.

Fadillah said the ministry would continue to monitor events and ensure that complaints from the public are taken seriously.

He said the ministry had already asked the two companies to explain the RFID system to the public and find the best solution to problems.

Earlier today, videos and photos of congested toll booths went viral on social media followed by the public expressing their frustration and dissatisfaction with the opening of the RFID lanes.

PLUS has said that RFID tags are already in use by about 1.5 million highway users on most highways, especially in the Klang Valley. The RFID sticker costs RM35.

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