KUALA LUMPUR: Green Packet Bhd, in collaboration with FETC International Co (FETCi), will run a multi-lane free flow (MLFF) tolling system proof of concept (POC) on Malaysian highways.
FETCi is a radio frequency identification (RFID) and free-flow tolling expert having implemented several MLFF systems in Asian countries.
Green Packet said the MLFF POC is a critical process to achieve a congestion-free highway state through better traffic infrastructure, as stipulated in the Ministry of Works' Malaysian Intelligent Transport System (ITS) blueprint.
The MLFF POC will be installed at Besraya highway and is scheduled for data collection for three months from early 2022.
"As an internationally recognised technology player with experience in addressing local digitalisation challenges, Green Packet will be providing the funding, local insights and expertise in fintech payments.
"FETCi will provide the front-end equipment and expertise in MLFF implementation," it said.
Green Packet executive director Shukor Karim said this tolling gantry was very much in line with the government's continuous efforts for better transport infrastructure, smoother traffic flow and less congestion.
"We look forward to making this a reality, and to continue working with the government in advancing Malaysia's digitalisation forward," said Shukor.
FETCi managing director Dr Yongchang Chang said this was the right step for Malaysia and the company was confident that positive results would be produced.
Yongchang said MLFF tolling systems had been proven to dramatically improve traffic flow.
"This system has seen resounding success in several other Asian countries, such as Singapore. We are confident that this Proof of Concept will produce positive results and move Malaysia's infrastructure modernisation forward in the right direction," he said.
The MLFF system is an ultra-efficient and time-saving tolling system.
The system is envisioned to use a cloud tolling system with no toll lanes or gates and will be able to process far more vehicles per hour compared with existing toll systems.
Apart from that, it will also be able to reduce fraud by getting rid of the gaps that the present solutions are not able to address and are often exploited by many traffic users.
The data collected from the POC during the three-month period will be shared with relevant authorities and stakeholders, with the primary aim to prove and validate the feasibility of using MLFF.
The data and insights are valuable for eventual rollout to Malaysian highways in line with the government's roadmap for smoother traffic.