It has been announced that there would be no Touch 'n Go card reload lanes at toll plazas during the enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO) to contain the COVID-19 infection, yet many motorists are still ignorant by entering the expressway without having enough credit.
This has caused problems and frustrations to other road users when some vehicles had to change lanes which resulted in congestion at toll plazas while they are reloading their cards at the self-service kiosks.
According to PLUS Malaysia Berhad northen region business manager, Wan Ahmad Awang, some 144,698 cases of insufficient credit were recorded in Penang since March 18 until May 31.
"There are nine toll plazas managed by PLUS in Penang including Penang Bridge, Juru, Sungai Dua and Kubang Semang.
"Out of the nine, the Penang Bridge toll plaza recorded the highest number of insufficient Touch 'n Go card balance with 66,077 cases followed by toll plazas in Juru, Kubang Semang and Sungai Dua," he told Bernama recently.
Wan Ahmad said the problem would normally occurred during peak hours on weekdays between 7 am to noon and 4 pm to 8 pm.
He advised commuters to cooperate by ensuring there is enough credit in their Touch 'n Go card before entering the highway.
"We also suggest that road users top up their card in a larger amount to reduce the frequency reloading at toll plazas.
"PLUS also encourages all customers to use the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to avoid congestions at Penang Bridge and from Sungai Dua to Jitra in July. This will help to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection," he said.
Beginning the middle of next month, private vehicle motorists will enjoy a 20 per cent discount on the Penang Bridge toll if they use RFID.
In this regard, Wan Ahmad said the number of toll lanes in operation would be increased in stages according to the traffic situation so as to reduce exposure and intervention between PLUS staff and customers.
Meanwhile, a user of the Penang Bridge toll plaza, Ahmad Akbar, 24, who has insufficient card balance and had to pull over to top up said he was in a hurry and forgot to check the credit balance.
"I am rushing to get to work and forgot to top up. Sometimes I would reload the card at petrol stations but today I didn't managed to," said the security guard who is a frequent user of the Penang Bridge.
Since the enforcement of the MCO on March 18 followed by the Conditional MCO since May 4, PLUS has temporarily shut down Touch 'n Go reload service at all toll plazas under its management.
Motorists can reload their cards before entering the highways at 11,000 locations nationwide including at petrol stations, convenience stores, ATMs, self-service kiosks and others.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sun Jun 07 2020
According to PLUS Malaysia Berhad northen region business manager, Wan Ahmad Awang, some 144,698 cases of insufficient credit were recorded in Penang since March 18 until May 31. - FILEpic
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.