Transport Minister Anthony Loke has stated that a payment system that is open for transportation services, with a particular focus on those managed by Prasarana Malaysia Bhd, will be put into effect in the near future. According to Transport Minister Anthony Loke, in the near future, people who use public transport will have the option to use alternative forms, such as credit and debit cards. He said this would essentially allow commuters to use their credit or debit cards, in addition to Touch ‘n Go cards, to pay for public transport services.
The minister explained that this new system would enable commuters to utilize their credit or debit cards, alongside Touch ‘n Go cards, to make payments for public transport services. Currently, commuters are limited to using a Touch ‘n Go card or buying a token at the LRT gantry entrance, as per the minister’s statement. However, this is set to change in the near future.
At the launch event for the Premium Lounge Plaza at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Loke spoke to the media. He explained that Anwar’s statement should not be interpreted as Touch ‘n Go’s services coming to an end. Selected LRT stations have been observed to have NFC card readers as Rapid KL tests alternative contactless payment methods. Rapid KL is introducing NFC card readers at selected LRT stations. Users can tap in and out using their own credit or debit cards. Smartphone-integrated payment options like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay will also be available. This will provide greater convenience to Rapid KL users.
To accept credit and debit cards for payment, a stable internet connection is required to authenticate the payment at train stations and buses. Touch ‘n Go card readers, on the other hand, can deduct the fare from the card’s balance without an internet connection. Currently, the only rail service in the Klang Valley that supports contactless card payments, in addition to physical tickets and barcodes, is KLIA Express and KLIA Transit ERL. Touch ‘n Go previously trialled the QR Transit feature for their eWallet in 2018, but it wasn’t extensively rolled out.
To accept credit and debit cards, the card terminal must be connected to authenticate and complete the payment. This means train stations and buses must have a stable internet connection to authenticate the card payments. The current Touch ‘n Go card is a stored-value smartcard that deducts the fare instantly from the card’s balance. TNG readers can be installed without requiring an internet connection.
