More Touch ’n Go lanes to ease congestion at plazas

BY LEONG SHEN-LI





PETALING JAYA: The long queues at Touch 'n Go lanes at many toll plazas should disappear by July when expressway operators install additional lanes as required by the Government.

Rangkaian Segar Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Swinder Grewal said congestion at toll plazas which only had one Touch 'n Go lane was caused by the high number of users after all toll plazas were required to adopt the electronic toll collection (ETC) system a year ago.

“At some of these toll plazas, the usage is as high as 20%. However, the number of Touch 'n Go lanes is not proportionate to the number of users,” she said on Thursday.

She said the congestion problem should be solved once operators installed the additional Touch 'n Go lanes and SmartTag lanes as required by the Government.

“The operators recognise the problem and we are now working towards installing more lanes at these toll plazas,” she said, adding that some operators had placed orders for equipment.

Users of several urban expressways have complained of extremely long queues at Touch 'n Go lanes at toll plazas.

Most of these toll plazas belong to operators who only adopted the system on Aug 1 last year following the government's directive for a uniform ETC for all privatised expressways.

The decision was met with some resistance because a number of operators had already installed their own ETC systems.

As a compromise, the concessionaires have been allowed to continue operating their own systems together with the Touch 'n Go system until June 30.

The expressways are the Sprint Expressway, Damansara-Puchong Expressway, Shah Alam Expressway, Cheras-Kajang Expressway, Karak Highway, Butterworth-Kulim Expressway and New North Klang Straits Bypass (or Shahpadu Expressway).

is there any additional charges if we use touch n go??? I am considering to by the card...

is there any additional charges if we use touch n go??? I am considering to by the card...

I don't think there will be any. But if you are a first time user...or never have the card before, if you buy the cheapest one available which is RM35, the available credit in that card will be RM20. The RM15, kinda like refundable if you decide that you no longer need the card and return to them in a perfect condition. ;)

is there any additional charges if we use touch n go??? I am considering to by the card...



not for tolls, buses and mass transits but for some carparks......there is a 5 or 10 cents premium....... ;)


Been a user since the beginning! :D ......I think got more than 10 years already using Touch N Go but I changed my card once. The current card I am using is like 6 years old liao ;)

Been a user since the beginning! :D ......I think got more than 10 years already using Touch N Go but I changed my card once. The current card I am using is like 6 years old liao ;)

I got 3 cards already...and now thinking of buying another one. The first 2 obviouslly I lost it. Then other one I handed it over to my sister cause I think she need it more than I do. Now, another trip to the shop to buy my 4th card ;)

Make sure don't use it at Star Lrt..last time took used it for the journey from Masjid Jamek to Bukit Jalil, and when arrived at Bukit Jalil no TnG device...payed the penjaga exit money and kana suruh go back masjid jamek to retap the card :D

Make sure don't use it at Star Lrt..last time took used it for the journey from Masjid Jamek to Bukit Jalil, and when arrived at Bukit Jalil no TnG device...payed the penjaga exit money and kana suruh go back masjid jamek to retap the card :D


You must be cock-eyed! :D .......on the counter on ALL stations, there is a note saying that only 3 stations in the Starline are undergoing testing for TnG - Masjid Jamek, Bandar Tasik Selatan and Ampang stations (If I remember correctly should be Bdr Tasik Selatan....hehehhee...but all I know is that got 3 stations lah!) :D

You must be cock-eyed! :D .......on the counter on ALL stations, there is a note saying that only 3 stations in the Starline are undergoing testing for TnG - Masjid Jamek, Bandar Tasik Selatan and Ampang stations (If I remember correctly should be Bdr Tasik Selatan....hehehhee...but all I know is that got 3 stations lah!) :D

Wow...good news. I personally didn't know that. Thanks for the information guys :D

Any news about TnG? When will all Star stations have it?

Any news about TnG? When will all Star stations have it?


Now all Starline stations have it already ;)

Starline's Touch n' Go console...

http://img13.exs.cx/img13/561/DSC02102.jpg

Great update Ijud! :okay:

I love to see how Baq misses KL ......let's post more! :naughty: :D

wah Sze....nakal lar....later he panggil his kura-kura geng pukul u la:P

So now other than Starline n Highways,wat can touch and go be used for?

wah Sze....nakal lar....later he panggil his kura-kura geng pukul u la:P

So now other than Starline n Highways,wat can touch and go be used for?


....carparks.....themeparks.....Putraline.......Cityliner buses......Putraline feeder buses ;)

Great update Ijud! :okay:

I love to see how Baq misses KL ......let's post more! :naughty: :D

haha yep! It's my wallpaper now!

haha yep! It's my wallpaper now!


Wah Baq! Din know you missed KL so much so that a Touch N' Go console also could be your wallpaper :lol:

eh? wheres our best baq?

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

eh? wheres our best baq?

In Brunei right :?

Yup....he's in Bandar Seri Begawan ;)

Yup....he's in Bandar Seri Begawan ;)

Let him kumpul da moolah... then we make the biggest annual TT when he cum back to Malaysialah!! :D:D

ah baq show some pics of bandar sri begawan can? i never really see brunei before except from some tourist guide..

'The Incredibles' for Touch 'n Go users

Rangkaian Segar Sdn Bhd (RSSB) is intensifying its rewards programme for Touch ‘n Go toll payment card users by giving away 1,000 complimentary movie passes for Disney/Pixar’s latest animation movie, The Incredibles, on top of free gifts on reloads.

The movie passes are an added bonus to the existing Touch ‘n Go Incredible “Reload & Reward” promotion and would be randomly distributed at select Touch ‘n Go lanes from Nov 8 to 11, its chief operating officer Swinder Grewal said in a statement on Nov 9.

The Incredibles would premiere in Malaysian cinemas on Nov 18.

Under the Touch ‘n Go Incredible “Reload & Reward” promotion, purchases and reloads of RM50 or more would be entitled to free gifts. Touch ‘n Go users would be given the option to buy The Incredibles merchandise exclusively available to them.

The promotion was applicable to purchases and reloads of Touch ‘n Go cards at more than 60 sales and service counters along the highways and over 640 automated teller machines as well as auto reloads via credit cards, she added.

She said a grand finale of the promotion would be held at Sunway Pyramid on Nov 20 and 21, during which there would be exciting games and activities and an additional 500 movie passes up for grabs.

There are 2.4 million Touch ‘n Go cards in circulation and one million MyKad cards with built-in Touch ‘n Go feature.

New Straits Times » Local

'Use electronic toll system on LDP'


PETALING JAYA, Feb 19:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lingkaran Trans Kota Sdn Bhd (Litrak) wants motorists using its Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP) to use the electronic toll system to ease traffic congestion.
Litrak chief operating officer Richard Lim said many motorists preferred to pay the RM1 toll at the booths, which were manually-operated.

"The increase in vehicles on the LDP has resulted in traffic congestion at the toll plaza at KM19 in Petaling Jaya Selatan during the morning and evening rush hours," he said after a Chinese New Year treat by Litrak today.

"If motorists co-operate by using the Smartags and Touch N' Go cards, it will facilitate faster movement of vehicles at the toll plaza."

Lim said Litrak would open up three more toll booths to cater to the increase in motorists coming from the Federal Highway.

The increase is also due to the development of new housing and commercial areas in Subang Jaya.

Litrak's treat was for 60 orphans from Rumah Victory, Compassion Home and Kuil Sri Subramanyar at the McDonald's outlet near the LDP toll plaza.

Present were Subang Jaya State Assemblyman Datuk Lee Hwa Beng and Litrak's communication manager Zuhri Iskandar Kamarzaman.

Touch ‘n’ Go users question data privacy
Monday February 28, 2005



By CHAN LEE MENG

PETALING JAYA: Touch ‘n’ Go card users benefit from the convenience of its automatic-payment system but some Malaysians fear that the information they give when applying for the service could lead to receiving junk mail, spam and calls from telemarketers.

To obtain a Touch ‘n’ Go card, users have to fill in a form, giving their name, IC number, address, home and office phone numbers, handphone number, e-mail address and date of birth.

Pretty standard as most forms go. But what was worrying to some was that the Touch ‘n’ Go website (www.touchngo.com.my/faq.htm) states that “all information provided in the application form is input into our system to be used for: a) Market research; b) Promotional and/or information dissemination via brochures, SMS or e-mail.”

In.Tech was contacted by a reader who was concerned that the collection of such personal information by service provider Rangkaian Segar Sdn Bhd (RSSB) does not appear to serve any purpose except for marketing services or to be sold to advertisers.

RSSB is a company under the UEM Group which also owns highway concessionaires Projek Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan Bhd (PLUS) and Expressway Lingkaran Tengah Sdn Bhd, where the Touch ‘n’ Go service can be used.

The prepaid smartcard service is also valid at various other toll booths, light-rail transit (LRT) stations, bus stands and parking lots.

Some service users were also disconcerted because the Touch ‘n’ Go website does not appear to have any kind of privacy policy on the customer information collected via the application form.

“I don’t have to present my identity card every time I use the highway. So why should Touch ‘n’ Go need this information,” asked one user who only wished to be identified as Leong.

Swinder Grewal, chief operating officer at RSSB, said Touch ‘n’ Go users should not fear that their personal data is being abused.

“To date, we have not disclosed our database to third parties, with the exception of the Government and relevant authorities,” she told In.Tech.

Also, she added, the customer information is safeguarded by Bank Negara regulations, but did not give details.

Swinder said that having the data would also make it easy for RSSB to more effectively deal with customer queries or service difficulties they may encounter.

The information given, she also said, could for example be used to refund a customer. Although RSSB does not make refunds for lost or stolen Touch ‘n’ Go cards, it does do so if a customer is overcharged or stops the service by returning the card. The refunds are made by cheque.

There are occasions, however, when RSSB will issue a Touch ‘n’ Go card without the customer needing to fill out the form.

“This is done during special promotions by RSSB or our business partners ? usually at events where there is a high volume of customer traffic,” said Swinder. “Or it happens when we hand out free cards with other promotional products.”

Currently, there are more than 2.4 million Touch ‘n’ Go cards in circulation, according to RSSB.

7-Eleven reloads for cards



Soon, you will be able to reload your Touch 'n Go cards at 7-Eleven convenience stores.

Rangkaian Segar Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Yahya Yaacob said the company was having discussions with the convenience store to provide the service in three months with the minimum top-up value would be reduced to RM10 from RM20.

“Apart from convenience stores, we are also having discussions with petrol stations to offer top-up services.

“Petronas is already providing the service and more will come soon,” said Yahya on Monday after presenting F1 Grandstand Tickets and limited edition F1 T-shirts to last year's 30 most frequent Touch 'n Go users.

He said it was also in the company's plans to look at more avenues to reload the cards, like over the Internet, by the end of this year, while many banks are already offering reload services through credit cards, Automated Teller Machines' (ATMs) and Cash Deposit Machines.





http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2006/3/18/central/p14Yahya.jpg

Yahya (right) and Mohd Hussein presenting to Ngeow (left).






Also present at the function were the company's executive director Mohd Hussein Ab Hamid and chief operating officer Basariah Abdul Latiff.

Hussein added that the company would have 800 new points of sale offered to the public by April or May.

He said it was also the management's goal to increase the penetration rate of Touch 'n Go from the current 35% to 50% by this year.

Customers' concerns, such as the price of SmartTAG, will also be addressed he added.

“SmartTAG is now sold at RM100 each and that's already a 50% discount compared to the previous pricing. There's a limit to how much we can reduce the price but we are relentlessly working towards that,” Yahya said, adding that it was the company's commitment to try out cheaper and better alternative products to meet customers' demands.

He said the company would talk to building operators to eliminate the differences in parking charges for Touch 'n Go users.

Basariah said with more marketing programmes lined up, the company was targeting at least 500,000 new users this year.

According to her, there are about 3mil Touch 'n Go holders, 2mil of which are active users.

The recipients of the spent an average of more than RM900 per month from September to December last year, which is 12 times higher than the normal average spending of RM80.

Ngeow Peok Siong, 48, said he spent RM1,300 to RM1,500 per month on his Touch 'n Go card travelling on highways for his sales profession. He would reload at least RM500 whenever the value of his card went below RM100.

“It's very convenient using the card and it reduces the wear and tear of my car, and I'm doubly delighted that the company is rewarding us,” he said.

Have a question, if I go around KL,there how many toll are there, cuz I hate paying toll! :bash:

^^ Depends on where you go. ;) If you like fuss free driving and wouldn't like to get stuck in a jam......there are usually nice and easy tolled highways to choose from. If you want a free journey......well....prepare for uncertainties like heavy traffic jams loh :D

There are no inner city tolls except for the Ampang Elevated HIghway. ;)

My Zing card not working. So sad :cry:

^^ Change loh.......since Zing cards are usually affiliated with banks.....they would gladly change for ya ;)

The Touch 'n Go card can only be used in 3 STAR LRT stations? Still same as last time?

The Touch 'n Go card can only be used in 3 STAR LRT stations? Still same as last time?


Wah! :eek: You seriously outdated lah..... :D TnG could be used for all LRTs, Monorail and Komuter stations since like over a year ago or something ;)

You also do not need to buy touch n go card if your IC have touch n go logo. I used mine IC as Touch n Go. SO convenience.

^^^^^^^^^^ still got to touch, don't they have the thing were you just drive as fast as you want at the tollway that thing can censor the car ID, no need to stop.

^^^^^^^^^^ still got to touch, don't they have the thing were you just drive as fast as you want at the tollway that thing can censor the car ID, no need to stop.

yea! it is called Smart TAG. it is another type of touch n go

Y use touch n go if they have smart tag? Is it expensive?

yea! it is called Smart TAG. it is another type of touch n go


Smart Tag is not another type of TnG. It is simply a device that you put your TnG into and it communicates with a sensor at the automated toll gate ;)

So in order for Smart Tag to work, one still need a TnG card :yes:

^^^^^^^^^^ still got to touch, don't they have the thing were you just drive as fast as you want at the tollway that thing can censor the car ID, no need to stop.


Technically you could go as fast as you want across the tollgate and the sensors would be able to detect it. However since all SmartTag gates have an automated boom, it wouldn't be able to open fast enuf if you "Drive as fast as you want" :D

ANyway I have tried going thru at 50kmph without stopping but try not to do that lah cos the speed of the boom is not regulated and it varies from diff ones.( I am familiar with this toll gate as I passes by it everyday :D ) Well........most cars slows down to at least 20kmph (some even total halt) ;)

You also do not need to buy touch n go card if your IC have touch n go logo. I used mine IC as Touch n Go. SO convenience.


yea...too bad mine doesn't :( I made my IC too early :D

So now have to have an extra card in my wallet instead of one :rant:

Question, what happened to all the talk about implementing electronic gantries and getting rid of the current tolls? Is that still on track?

Question, what happened to all the talk about implementing electronic gantries and getting rid of the current tolls? Is that still on track?



^^ Yea.....the minister said that within 2 years they would have that......I kinda doubt his enthusiasm given the rate they implement things here. So far only the nationwide tollgate adoption rate of TnG had proved me wrong. I hope this would too ;)

Touch 'n Go Drive-Thru Kiosk

http://www.touchngo.com.my/images/imgBooth.gif

From:
The Management And Staff Of RSSB

I love Touch n Go.

Back when I studied Shah Alam, it is so difficult to buy KTM tickets coz the machines only accept certain coins and most of the time reject paper money. When I started using Touch n Go in MyKad, I never needed to search for coins before taking the KTM. Travelling in KL has become easier. :cheers:

Drive to boost number of Touch 'n Go users
By Sharen Kaur
August 23 2006
BusinessTimes


Rangkaian Segar is in talks with logistic companies that have a fleet of buses or trucks to encourage the use of Touch 'n Go cards

RANGKAIAN Segar Sdn Bhd, the operator of the Touch 'n Go electronic payment system and SmartTAG, is on an aggressive drive to add more customers and increase their usage of the prepaid cards.

Chairman Datuk Yahya Yaacob said Rangkaian Segar is in talks with logistic companies that have a fleet of buses or trucks to encourage the use of Touch 'n Go cards.

"We want to encourage logistic firms to use the Touch 'n Go system as they will be able to monitor the movement of the respective bus or truck drivers, apart from taking advantage of the easy payment method," said Yahya.

It is also in talks with state- owned transport firm Rapid KL, to implement a common ticketing system by November. Rapid KL operates buses and light rail trains in Kuala Lumpur.

Furthermore, Rangkaian Segar plans to more than double sales outlets by opening 1,700 new stores by the end of the year. It now has 1,300 stores across the country.

There are also plans to increase the usage of its cards. It wants to allow users to make payments at rest areas operated by PLUS Expressways Bhd. However, this needs the approval of Bank Negara Malaysia.

There are about 3 million Touch 'n Go cards in circulation where close to 1.9 million are active users.

"We will come up with a good business model to implement these new business strategies," said Yahya after the launch of the company's first Touch 'n Go hub at Faber Towers, Taman Desa, yesterday.

The hub, launched by Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, will shorten customer waiting time by 70 per cent, improve delivery time and processing flow.

Yahya said RM100,000 was spent to establish the hub while an additional RM400,000 will be spent to open another hub along the expressway, two drive-through kiosks and a flagship service centre in Klang Valley this year.

Touch 'n Go Drive-Thru Kiosk

http://www.touchngo.com.my/images/imgBooth.gif

From:
The Management And Staff Of RSSB
Where is this Touch N' Go Kiosk?

As soon as I can use my touch 'n' go card at 7-11 (not just reload) I will be extremely happy :)

Cheers, m

hi.. i would like to know that if your IC. have TnG.. would it possible to slot into smartag device? card size i mean..

if yes.. i still find it very unsafe especially when you have to keep your IC. after you leave your car and take out the IC. again to slot back to the device.. hell.... lol

You can use Touch ’n Go card to buy burgers by next Saturday
Saturday April 12, 2008
By WONG SAI WAN
TheStar

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/4/12/nation/n_01doughnut.jpg

Motorist Noordalila Paris using her Touch ’n Go card to purchase doughnuts at
a Dunkin Donut outlet at a petrol kiosk in Jalan Damansara Friday. From next
Saturday, the cards can be used to pay for fast food at 21 outlets in the
Klang Valley. - Uu Ban / The Star


KUALA LUMPUR: The next time you go to a fast-food stall for your burger or doughnut, don’t worry if you have forgotten your money as all you need is your Touch ’n Go card.

By next Saturday, you can buy such items from 21 outlets in the Klang Valley under a pilot scheme for the Touch ‘n Go card which is currently a toll, public transport and parking paying device.

The outlets are from A&W, Burger King, Dunkin’ Donut, 7-Eleven, Carrefour hypermarkets, Caltex convenience stores and Cineleisure.

According to Touch ’n Go chief operating officer Hasni Zarina Mohamed Khan, this project would be the start of the card being used for retail purchase. Describing it as a natural progression, she pointed out that the card was an electronic purse and supports Bank Negara’s move for a cashless society.

“We have issued 4.5 million cards to date of which 50% are active (used at least once a month).

“At present, the cards are used mainly for toll payment but we hope that by next year, 5% to 10% of the cardholders will use it for retail,” she said in an interview.

She said even for the Octopus card – the transit electronic purse in Hong Kong that is one of the most successful in the world – only 20% of the holders use it for retail purchase.

Touch ‘n Go hopes to increase the number of retail outlets by 20 a month. There could be even more than 150 such outlets throughout the country by year’s end.

She explained that her company had to supply the card readers and backend solutions for the outlets and this took time.

“Consumers need not worry about hidden cost because all the chain stores have an agreement that there will be no extra charges for those using Touch ’n Go cards compared to those using cash. If the item is RM1 then it will still be RM1 if you use our card,” Hasni Zarina added.

Hasni Zarina said cardholders could top up the value of their cards to RM1,000 and need not worry if the cards were lost or stolen.

“All they have to do is to inform us immediately and we can block the card. We can then issue a new card with the remaining value,” she said.

The card could also be a good way of controlling children's spending as this could be their one card from taking public transport to buying their lunch or snacks.

Touch 'n Go well accepted at KLIA
Thursday June 26, 2008
TheStar

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/6/26/central/m_09hasni.jpg

Let’s go: Azmi (right) launching the Touch 'n Go parking payment service at
KLIA as Touch 'n Go Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Hasni Zarina Mohamed
Khan (left) and Yahya (second from right) look on.


WITH the introduction of Touch ’n Go (TNG) facilities at both the KL International Airport (KLIA) and Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) since February this year, the public can now enjoy swift access and exit at both the parking areas.

Since its introduction, the acceptance rate at both the parking areas has been encouraging. These two locations are Touch ’n Go’s 23rd and 24th parking sites.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) senior operations general manager Datuk Azmi Murad officially launched the facility at KLIA on Tuesday.

According to Touch ’n Go Sdn Bhd (TNGSB) managing director Datuk Yahya Yaacob, parking has been identified as one of the major key growth areas for the company.

“Currently, some 30 parking sites in the Klang Valley are already equipped with the TNG facility and these include parking sites at major shopping malls as well as hospitals,” said Yahya.

He said the demand for TNG as a payment mode for parking was high and the company was looking to expand further into this area.

“For this year, we are planning to have 16 new sites in the Klang Valley. Apart from KLIA and LCCT, TNGSB has expanded its services to the Maju Junction Mall, Assunta Hospital and Mines Shopping Fair,” he added.

TNGSB is also planning to expand this facility to Johor Baru and Penang by next year.

Azmi, meanwhile, said the TNG customers formed 10% of their total parking customer base at KLIA and was confident that the numbers would increase quickly.

“We are happy with the acceptance rate for the TNG facility as we all know that the TNG card is now a necessity when you travel,” added Azmi.

He said the partnership with TNG was part of MAHB’s continuous effort to improve facilities for airport users and the KLIA 10th anniversary special edition cards would be sold in KLIA in due course.

UEM likely to sell Touch 'n Go to PLUS
By Zaidi Isham Ismail Published: 2008/07/01
BusinessTimes

This is part of UEM's plan to dispose of non-core assets while the toll business is a natural fit to PLUS' highway business, say sources

UEM Group Bhd plans to sell stakes in units that include the Touch 'n Go smart card provider to PLUS Expressways Bhd for RM150 million to streamline its business, sources said.

The sprawling group, which has interests in construction, property, and highways, among others, will sell its 50 per cent stake in Touch 'n Go Sdn Bhd and its wholly-owned subsidiary Teras Teknologi Sdn Bhd to PLUS.

UEM Group owns 50 per cent of PLUS. UEM Group in turn is wholly-owned by the government's investment arm Khazanah Nasional Bhd.

"The disposal is part of UEM's plan to dispose of non-core assets and focus on its core businesses and the toll business is a natural fit to PLUS' highway business," the source told Business Times.

Teras Teknologi provides information, technology and communications (ICT) systems integration. Essentially, it provides the systems that allow the Touch 'n Go cards to talk to the transponders at toll booths.

The system is used in the country's 22 highway concessions.

A source said UEM Group plans to sell the 50 per cent stake in Touch 'n Go (formerly Rangkaian Segar Sdn Bhd) for RM100 million and Teras Teknologi for RM50 million.

The remaining 50 per cent of Touch 'n Go is owned by several other shareholders which include MTD Equity Sdn Bhd.

"UEM plans to sell because toll collection and ICT development are not its core businesses and it is keen to focus on infrastructure, property and healthcare such as the second Penang bridge, Johor's Nusajaya project and Pharmaniaga," the source said.

He added that Teras Teknologi will be a good buy because it has some RM90 million worth of projects in hand like the RM3.5 million toll collection system in India. It is also tendering for toll systems contracts in the Philippines, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

UEM Group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Ahmad Pardas Senin and PLUS managing director Noorizah Abd Hamid could not be reached for comments.

Teras Teknologi handles and integrates the electronic toll system for Malaysia's five million Touch 'n Go card users and up to 500,000 SmartTAG transponders with toll collection totalling RM2.5 million a day.

Malaysia currently has some five million vehicles on the road, of which one million pay toll. Out of the one million, 30 per cent use the SmartTAG transponders.

New Touch ’n Go needed as 48,000 cards expiring this year
Saturday August 23, 2008
By LISA GOH
TheStar

PETALING JAYA: About 48,000 Touch ’n Go cards will be expiring this year, with about 4,000 customers replacing their expired cards every month since January.

The cards, purchased in 1997 (when the service was officially launched), had reached their 10-year lifespan, said Touch ’n Go Customer Service Department head Azmi Jafar.

He said to renew the card, customers would need to purchase a new card at a cost of RM10, which would be taken from the RM15 deposit of the expired card.

Asked why customers were charged for the card renewal, when they were not initially informed of the card expiring, he replied:

“The new card will be able to last for another 10 years, which works out to RM1 a year only.

“The balance of RM5 from the deposit will be credited into the new card as a reload value,” he said, adding that the credit balance of the expired card would be transferred to the new card as well.

Azmi said the cards have a 10-year expiry period as “all electronic products are subject to wear and tear.”

“Touch ’n Go is no exception. The electronic chip in the card, which carries the functions such as

memory storage, radio transmitter and receiver, has a 10-year life-span.

“The chip will lose its efficiency once it reaches the end of its lifespan,” he told The Star.

Card users can only renew their cards at Touch ’n Go offices in Faber Towers, KL Sentral (both in Kuala Lumpur), Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd, PLUS, Elite Highway and Second Link.

“Right now, customers can check when their card expires at our website. We are negotiating with vendors to extend our service of renewing their cards online.

“That system should be out sometime next year,” he said.

He said that should customers decide not to purchase a new Touch ’n Go card, they can return the expired card, and the deposit and balance would be refunded via cheque within 30 working days.

For more information, go to http://www.touchngo.com.my

Not exactly about TnG, but nontheless, interesting!

Source : http://www.newsweek.com/id/161187



The progress of smart cards in Japan is being watched closely in China and Malaysia, which are adopting similar cashless payment systems for their rail and subway systems.

PUBLIC AT KLIA AND LCCT-KLIA ENJOYING GREATER PARKING EXPERIENCE WITH INTRODUCTION OF TOUCH 'N GO

Kuala Lumpur, Tuesday:- Airport users of KL International Airport (KLIA) and Low Cost Carrier Terminal KLIA (LCCT-KLIA) can now enjoy swift access and exit at both parking areas as the Touch 'n Go facility is now made available.

The facility was made available since February this year and the acceptance rate at KLIA and LCCT has been very encouraging. These two locations are Touch 'n Go's 23RD & 24TH parking sites.

Parking has been identified as one of the major key growth area for Touch 'n Go Sdn Bhd (TNGSB). At the moment, some 30 parking sites in the Klang Valley are already equipped with the Touch 'n Go facility, and these parking sites include major shopping malls as well as hospitals.

"We can see that the demand from our customers to have Touch 'n Go as a payment mode for parking is high, thus we are making sure that we will further expand our availability for this area in particular," said TNGSB's Chairman YBhg Datuk Yahya Yaacob.

Apart from KLIA and LCCT, for this year alone, TNGSB has expanded its services to the Maju Junction Mall, Assunta Hospital and Mines Shopping Fair. The target for this year is 16 new sites in the Klang Valley.

"The acceptance rate here in the Klang Valley to use Touch 'n Go for parking is increasing and we welcome this trend. We are also pleased to announce that we will expand this facility to Johor Bahru and Penang by next year, and slowly nationwide." Datuk Yahya added.

An event to launch the facility was held at the Main Terminal Building at KLIA today, attended by Malaysia Airports' Managing Director YBhg Dato' Seri Bashir Ahmad.

"We welcome Touch 'n Go at KLIA and LCCT as the facility will provide greater convenience to our customers, and we are pleased to also announce that the response has been good, which is currently at 10 per cent of the total parking customer base here. We are confident the numbers will pick up fast, as we all now know that the Touch 'n Go card is now a necessity when you travel," said Dato' Seri Bashir Ahmad.

Dato' Seri Bashir added: "The partnership with Touch 'n Go is part of our continuous improvements for the airport users, which we believe will considerably enhance airport users' experience when using KLIA. We look forward to further enhancing the facilities and services for public from time to time."

During the event, Malaysia Airports also unveiled KLIA's 10th Anniversary Special Edition Touch 'n Go cards. The cards will be sold at KLIA in due course.

Touch 'n Go eyes RM10m via 1m cards
Published: 2009/02/21

TOUCH 'n Go Sdn Bhd aims to gain RM10 million by selling one million Touch 'n Go cards by year-end.

The company, which has 157 merchant outlets selling the card, planned to increase the number to 1,500 outlets by end of this year, its chairman Datuk Yahya Ya'acob said yesterday.

He said the company was on track with its parking project to provide an electronic payment system via the Touch 'n Go card.

"To date, we have partnership with 32 parking sites, including the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, KL Sentral, One Utama and the Subang Parade shopping malls," he told reporters after launching the Touch 'n Go "Beyond the Roads" programme at KLCC in Kuala Lumpur.

The company plans to increase the number of parking sites utilising the Touch 'n Go card to 60 throughout the Klang Valley.

Suria KLCC Sdn Bhd chief operating officer and general manager, Andrew Brien said he expected half of its parking users to use the Touch 'n Go facilities.

The KLCC parking sites have a total of 5,000 lots.

In conjunction with the launch, Touch ''n Go introduced a special "Beyond TheRoads" limited edition Touch 'n Go card which comes with a new look. - Bernama

Ugh, Touch N Go is useless except on highways here. Period.

Firm hopes more people will Touch 'n Go
By Adeline Paul RajPublished: 2009/03/07

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/touchy/pix_middle

TOUCH 'n Go Sdn Bhd, operator of the popular Touch 'n Go prepaid e-payment cards, plans to go all out to woo more card users this year by making an aggressive push into the retail market.

Managing director Hasni Mohamed Khan said it will work with more merchants this year, thus enabling consumers to use their Touch 'n Go card to pay for purchases at retail stores.

Currently, the card is used mainly to pay for tolls, parking and public transport.

"This year, we're looking at an overall expansion, especially in the retail sector. Generally, we're targeting fast foods, convenience shops as well as petrol stations. It will be concentrated first in the Klang Valley and then we'll roll it out nationwide," she told Business Times in an interview.

Next Thursday, the company will officially introduce to the public the seven merchants that it has tied up with, namely Burger King, Dunkin Donuts, A&W, Steven's Tea Corner, Station 1 Cafe, Kaya Kopitiam and Cathay Cineplex.

These, together with the seven other merchants that it hooked up with last year, will enable people to use their Touch 'n Go cards at 157 retail outlets.

Hasni's target is to increase that number to 1,500 by the end of the year.

"Usually, people know Touch 'n Go only as toll cards. Now they've come to realise that it can also be used at transits and parkings. But there are people out there who say they don't need it as they don't take the highway much or use it for parking.

"So what we're doing now is to push the message that Touch 'n Go is for everybody ... whether you want to eat or purchase movie tickets, you can use your card instead of cash. It's speedy and convenient," she said.

Hasni is confident that with awareness campaigns planned nationwide to educate the public on the multi-uses of the Touch 'n Go cards, the company will be able to sell at least one million cards this year.

Assuming that each card is loaded with a minimum value of RM10, the company stands to gain from RM10 million in sales.

There are currently over five million cards, first introduced in 1997, in circulation. Of these, about 3.2 million are active.

Getting people to carry the card around with them has been one of the company's biggest challenges. This is why it is targeting merchants along the highways, as a start.

"The card costs just a minimum of RM10, so it's good to keep at least one in the wallet and one in the car," she said.

Hasni believes that it makes sense for people to have one or more Touch 'n Go cards during an economic downturn like now.

"In times like these, it's better if you have one of these because it also offers some savings. For example, the merchants can offer their own Touch 'n Go co-branded cards, which means they can offer loyalty schemes with benefits and discounts. So, I think this comes in quite timely," she said.

In conjuction with Thursday's launch, customers who reload RM50 at any one of the new merchant outlets will get a free co-branded card.

And if customers reload RM20, they will be entitled to a RM10 Touch 'n Go voucher. These promotions are, however, limited to the first 100 people who come in to each outlet.

Today, most Malaysians tend to have at least one Touch 'n Go card.

"We're positioning ourselves to be the catalyst to help Malaysians transform towards a cashless society," Hasni said.

The company is striving to find other uses for the Touch 'n Go card where micro-payment is involved.

Hasni finds that the younger generation is more receptive to it, with some even keeping the card as collectibles.

Touch 'n Go Sdn Bhd is 52 per cent owned by the UEM group.

Source : http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/4/10/business/3670505&sec=business


Maxis unveils FastTap service

KUALA LUMPUR: Maxis Communications Bhd, in collaboration with Nokia, Visa, Maybank and Touch ‘n Go, has launched Maxis FastTap, an integrated mobile payment service that utilises near-field communication (NFC) technology.

With the service, customers could use their Nokia 6212 Classic phones to purchase goods and services at more than 1,800 Visa payWave merchant locations as well as pay for toll, transit, parking and theme park charges at over 3,000 Touch ‘n Go points nationwide, Maxis said.

The service was now offered with the Nokia 6212 Classic phone embedded with an NFC chip to enable secure, contactless payments and transactions, as well as to able to read and download information, it said in a statement.

According to Maxis, the launch of the FastTap service marked a few “first-in-the-world” milestones for contactless mobile payments using NFC, a shot-range wireless technology that allows communications between devices at close range.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/4/10/business/b_07maxis.jpg
Maxis FasTap, a contactless mobile payment service using near-field communication technology, has been integrated into Nokia 6212 Classic phones.

“It is the first global service that integrates mutiple NFC applications for contactless credit card and Touch ‘n Go electronic payment for transit, toll and parking on the same device,” it said.

FastTap was the first commercial service in the world that featured over-the-air personalisation of credit card information over a mobile service operator’s network using the Trusted Service Manager interface, the company said.

It was also the first global commercial service using Visa payWave and Nokia mobile phone, it added.

“The launch of Maxis FastTap is a landmark achievement in our efforts to constantly bring innovation that can positively impact the lives of Malaysian mobile users,” said Maxis chief executive officer Sandip Das. — Bernama

Ugh, Touch N Go is useless except on highways here. Period.

Dude, that's probably because you're in Alor Star. I use it like everyday from LRT, KTM Komuters, RapidKL buses, Monorail and in Dunkin Donuts for my morning breakfast.

Touch 'n Go targets bigger share of e-payment market
By Zurinna Raja AdamPublished: 2009/05/06

TOUCH 'n Go Sdn Bhd wants the public to use its popular prepaid card for transactions other than payments for toll or parking charges.

Holders have been able to use Touch 'n Go to pay for food and movie tickets since last year, but the card has captured less than 2 per cent of the electronic payment (e-payment) market so far.

The company has now set a target to capture a tenth of the e-payment market in five years.

"The response has been encouraging so far and we hope to increase the number of our e-payment merchants to 1,500 by the end of the year," chief commercial officer commercial division Khair Ul-Anwar Mohd Yusoff said in Kuala Lumpur.

The Touch 'n Go card can now be used at 162 outlets.

Yesterday, the company rewarded Burger King Mutiara Damansara as its Best TnG Retail Store of The Month for having the most transactions over the last two months. The outlet won a cash prize of RM2,000.

Touch 'n Go records about RM1.5 million worth of transactions daily. Most cardholders use their card to pay highway toll.

The company's other merchants include Dunkin Donuts, A&W, Steven's Tea Corner, Station 1 Cafe, Kaya Kopitiam and Cathay Cineplex. The companies is in talks with McDonald's and other potential partners on the use of the card as a mode of payment.

New toll card launched
Tuesday June 9, 2009

PETALING JAYA: PLUS Expressways and Touch ’N Go Sdn Bhd are offering 50,000 PLUSMiles cards which come with RM5 worth of credit.

PLUS chief financial officer Khair Ul-Anwar said in a statement yesterday that users would have to pay the usual registration fee of RM10 to buy the cards.

“Users only have to pay RM10 to register as a PLUSMiles cardholder and RM5 will be automatically credited to their card,” he said.

The promotion begins today and will end on July 15.

The cards can be bought at any PLUS Expressways customer service centre.

PLUS said its promotion was part of efforts by the Government to encourage more highway users to pay toll electronically.

PLUS-Touch n'Go promotion
Published: 2009/06/09

PLUS Expressways Bhd (5052) and Touch n'Go Sdn Bhd are offering 50,000 PLUSMiles cards with a RM5 paid-up value for highway users from July 9 to 15.

Through this promotion, users need only pay RM10 to register as a PLUSMiles cardholder and the RM5 would be automatically credited to the card, PLUS said in a statement yesterday.

PLUS Expressways chief operations officer, Nik Airina Nik Jaffar said the promotion is an initiative to meet the government's call to encourage more highway users to switch to the electronic toll payment. - Bernama

PLUS tawar 50,000 kad PLUSMiles
9 Jun 2009

KUALA LUMPUR 8 Jun – PLUS Expressways Bhd. dan Touch ’n Go Sdn. Bhd. menawarkan 50,000 kad PLUSMiles dengan nilai berbayar RM5 kepada pengguna lebuh raya mulai 9 hingga 15 Julai ini.

Melalui promosi ini, pengguna hanya perlu membayar RM10 untuk mendaftar sebagai pemegang kad PLUSMiles dan tambah nilai Touch ’n Go bernilai RM5 akan dimasukkan secara automatik ke dalam kad tersebut, demikian menurut PLUS dalam satu kenyataan di sini hari ini.

Ketua Pegawai Operasi PLUS Expressways, Nik Airina Nik Jaffar berkata, promosi itu merupakan salah satu inisiatif bersama Touch ’n Go dan PLUS dalam menyahut saranan kerajaan untuk menggalakkan lebih ramai pengguna lebuh raya beralih ke sistem pembayaran tol secara elektronik yang lebih mudah dan pantas terutama ketika waktu puncak dan musim perayaan.

Beliau berkata, pemegang kad PLUSMiles yang menggunakan kad tersebut untuk membuat bayaran tol di lebuh raya PLUS dan ELITE sekurang-kurangnya RM200 setiap bulan juga berpeluang menikmati rebat tol sebanyak lima peratus.

"Touch 'n Go - Best Among The Best"
3rd April 2009
Source: http://www.touchngo.com.my/MediaCentre_PressRelease_20090403.html

http://www.touchngo.com.my/images/IMG_0754.JPG

Kuala Lumpur, 31st March 2009 – Touch ‘n Go Sdn. Bhd. added another milestone when they were crowned as the Best Brand In The Electronic Payment Card 2008-2009 by BrandLaureate, the sobriquet for the Asia Pacific Brands Foundation (APBF) Brand Excellence Awards at The BrandLaureate Awards 2009 Gala Dinner held at Shangri-La Hotel.

The award presentation was bestowed by the 5th Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Tun Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi to Puan Hasni Zarina Mohamed Khan, Managing Director of Touch ‘n Go Sdn. Bhd.

In the Electronic Payment Cards Category, nominations came from major players in the credit card, debit card and prepaid card industry. After few selection processes, Touch ‘n Go were chosen as the Best Brand based on its strong brand breakthrough from toll to areas of lifestyle services which is retail and parking.

The selection committee noted Touch ‘n Go has been able to uphold its brand performance with revenue growth in millions of cards issued yearly. The brand has also worked on improving its services and delivery system. A strong brand strategy with a low attrition rate compared to other electronic payment cards in the industry has made Touch ‘n Go as the preferred electronic payment in the country.

“This award has made us a step ahead especially in materializing the national electronic payment agenda besides being the preferred customer brand choice. It is indeed an award of appreciation to all Touch ‘n Go team and Service Providers for their keen and utmost support for us along the way to success”, said Hasni Zarina.

“Touch ‘n Go is a great card to have while you’re on the go for easier, faster and hassle-free payments and with this Best Brand Award, it is now time to transform Touch ‘n Go into a lifestyle oriented card for all Malaysians”, she added.

"Touch 'N Go Moving Closer To The Customers"
5th May 2009

Kuala Lumpur, 5th May 2009 – Burger King Mutiara Damansara won the Best TnG Retail Store of The Month for two consecutive months (March & April) when the crewmembers succeeded to achieve the highest usage of Touch ‘n Go as the mode of payment at their outlet.

“The Retail Store Rally” which is initiated by Touch ‘n Go Sdn. Bhd. is to enhance merchants continuous support in generating awareness towards the usage of Touch ‘n Go cards among the customers. It is also to boost the spirit of innovative and persuasive communications among all participating merchants crewmembers such as A&W, Burger King, Cathay Cineplex Damansara, Dunkin Donuts, Kaya Kopitiam, Steven’s Tea Garden, Station 1 Café, Daily Fresh, Baskin Robbins and Golden Oven to continuously promote the usage of Touch ‘n Go.

With the “Mana Mana Pun Boleh” and “Beyond The Roads” program, customers are now able to use their Touch ‘n Go cards at all participating merchant outlets. We are very keen with the tremendous support shown by all participating merchants especially in promoting Touch ‘n Go to all customers. My heartfelt thanks to everyone for making it a success”, said Touch ’n Go Managing Director Hasni Zarina Mohamed Khan.

“Touch ‘n Go in moving towards realizing our national electronic payment agenda. Amongst our success will definitely be the UEM Mercu’s new building, which is running on a 100% cashless e-payment system via Touch ‘n Go card. Bank Negara Malaysia’s cafeteria and MultiMedia University also using the same e-payment system via Touch ‘n Go card as part of their cashless mode of payment”, she added.

“We are very fortunate with the keen support given by the merchants and media members. With it, we have increased our sales volume 5 folds since the last pilot, 80% is from the F&B sectors. We have also spearhead our wings to the north and south of Malaysia with the new two (2) Cathay Cineplexes outlets in Johor Bahru and Penang”, said Khair Ul-Anwar Mohd Yusoff, Chief Commercial Officer, Touch ‘n Go Sdn. Bhd.

En. Khair Ul-Anwar presented the prizes to Burger King Mutiara Damansara crewmembers witnessed by Puan Hasni Zarina and Cik Hasfalinda Mohamed Hassan, Assistant Director Marketing & Procurement, Burger King.

Source: http://www.touchngo.com.my/

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http://xtive.utusan.com.my/tools/utusan/update_gambar/touchngo.jpg

Kakitangan Touch 'n Go Sdn. Bhd., Azulia Mohd. Yunus menunjukkan kad
touch 'n go bertemakan 1Malaysia yang baru dilancarkan di Kuala Lumpur,
hari ini. Sebanyak 3.2 juta pengguna telah menggunakan kad tersebut pada
tahun 2008. - BERNAMA / 21 Ogos 2009

Bayar tol guna Touch 'n Go kosong
22 Ogos 2009
Oleh MAZLINA ABDUL MAJID

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0822/Kosmo/Negara/ne_08.1.jpg

SHAZIMAN (dua dari kanan) melancarkan kad 1Malaysia-Touch 'n Go 1Malaysia di Kuala Lumpur semalam.

KUALA LUMPUR - Para pengguna kad Touch 'n Go selepas ini mungkin boleh menggunakan kad itu walaupun nilai pada kad tersebut kosong kerana jumlah yang digunakan akan ditolak terus daripada akaun bank penggunanya.

Ia berkemungkinan dilaksanakan ekoran kerajaan sedang menimbang untuk memudahkan penggunaan kad tersebut dengan menyelaraskan nilainya dengan wang di dalam akaun bank milik setiap pengguna.

Menteri Kerja Raya, Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor berkata, sekiranya berjaya dilaksanakan, ia bermakna kad itu boleh digunakan walaupun nilai wang di dalam kad tidak ditambah.

Menurutnya, langkah itu merupakan salah satu cadangan bagi memastikan masalah kesesakan jalan raya di plaza tol dapat dikurangkan.

"Dalam erti kata lain, para pengguna tidak perlu membuat pembayaran terlebih dulu, bila pengguna sentuh kad, nilai itu akan ditolak ke akaun mereka.

"Sebagai contoh, kenderaan seperti lori dari Utara ke Selatan, kos tolnya sekitar RM70 hingga RM80 sehala dan memerlukan mereka tambah nilai kad sebanyak RM500 hingga RM700.

"Melalui cara ini, kad tersebut masih boleh digunakan walaupun baki nilainya tinggal RM10 kerana jumlah selebihnya akan ditolak daripada akaun pemiliknya," ujarnya pada sidang akhbar Majlis Promosi Kad 1Malaysia-Touch 'n Go Edisi Terhad di kementeriannya di sini semalam.

Taken from http://www.touchngo.com.my/

http://www.touchngo.com.my/images/merdeka1CardLong.jpg

http://www.touchngo.com.my/images/merdeka1.jpg

Shaziman: More opting for Touch ’n Go
Saturday August 22, 2009

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/8/22/nation/n_29Touch%20N%20Go.jpg

Limited edition: Shaziman holding a mock 1Malaysia Touch ’n Go card at the
launching ceremony in Kuala Lumpur Friday. With him are (from left) Touch ’n
Go MD Hasni Zarina Mohamed Khan, chairman Datuk Yahya Yaacob and Works
Ministry secretarygeneral Datuk Thomas George.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is moving towards a “cashless society” with more people using the electronic payment system.

Works Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor said this was indicated by the rising number of Malaysians using the Touch ’n Go card.

He said that apart from using the card to make toll payment, some 2.7 million people used it to pay for public transportation, parking charges and at certain fast-food outlets.

“There are 5.9 million Touch ’n Go card holders in the country but only 3.2 million use the card to pay toll charges,” he said.

“We encourage the use of the card to ease traffic congestion, at least, if we cannot solve the problem (entirely),” he said after launching the 1Malaysia Touch ’n Go card at the ministry yesterday.

The limited edition card was launched in support of the 1Malaysia concept — One Malaysia. People First. Performance Now.

A total of 150,000 cards were released and can be bought at Touch ’n Go sales offices along the highways at RM10 each. The card had a value of RM10 as its cost of RM10 had been waived.

“The Government and the Touch ’n Go company will bear the cost of the card,” he said.

Shaziman also urged toll concessionaries to provide discounts for motorists during the festive seasons.

For details, call the Touch ’n Go careline at 03-7628 5115.

CIMB Bank launches CIMB Touch 'n Go Visa Card
Written by Personal Money
Friday, 21 August 2009 17:11

CIMB Bank and Touch 'n Go Sdn Bhd have jointly launched the CIMB Touch 'n Go Visa Card – a co-branded credit card designed to provide cardholders the convenience and flexibility of reloading their Touch 'n Go card, complete with a range of special credit card benefits.

The card comes with a Touch 'n Go Zing card, which functions as a standard Touch 'n Go card but with automatic reload capabilities that is linked to the credit card. CIMB is the first bank in Malaysia to offer multiple reload values on the Zing card, said Tunku Dato’ Ahmad Burhanuddin, executive director, CIMB Bank. Instead of a fixed amount reload, cardholders have the flexibility to choose between reload values of RM100, RM200 or RM300 on their Zing card, allowing users to manage their finances more effectively and save on reload service charges, especially for heavy users of highway and public transportation.
The card is free for life and cardholders will enjoy 10x bonus points for the first reload, while subsequent reloads will award 2x bonus points. '"The bank aims to secure 100,000 cardholders for the CIMB Touch ’n Go Visa Card within the first year,” Ahmad added.

Hasni Zarina Mohamed Khan, managing director, Touch ’n Go Sdn Bhd, said that in 2009 alone, Touch ’n Go recorded more than 700,000 auto-reload transactions from Zing cards with a reload value close to RM75 million. “Currently, there are more than 500,000 Zing cards in circulations and with that, we are targeting to achieve RM148 million of Zing card usage transactions by year-end,” she said.

hope it will be used to paid for everything!

Its getting there.....its making good progress since its inception....I still have the original card that I bought about 10 years ago...

Touch 'n Go for KLIA Transit in June
Pauline Almeida
Monday, February 8th, 2010 11:33:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Those holding Touch ‘n Go passes will be able to enjoy the convenience of using the cards for the KLIA Transit come middle of this year.

Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd (ERL), the service provider between KL Sentral and KL International Airport, is in discussion with Touch ‘n Go Sdn Bhd to facilitate this payment convenience.

This added feature can also help those intending to use the express train to get to Salak Tinggi, Bandar Tasik Selatan (Cheras), Putrajaya/Cyberjaya.

“We would like to introduce the facility by June," said ERL chief executive officer, Noormah Mohd Noor.

"Once in place, the public at large, especially those using the LRT and KTM Komuter services, can use the Touch 'n Go cards to enter our gates without queuing to buy tickets for their journey on the express train.”

This is part of the government's efforts to implement an integrated ticketing system with transport operators, she said.

This new feature will further reduce queues to buy tickets, added Noormah.

The current ERL travel cards offer discounts of over 50 per cent off the normal fares to the respective destinations.

ERL ferried some 10,000 passengers daily last year and it aims to increase the figure to 11,500 this year. On the average, ERL transports about 3.6 million passengers yearly.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat had said last month that a one-ticket system for public transport in the Klang Valley would be introduced by year-end to further encourage the use of public transport.

He said the "1Ticket, 1Seamless Journey" project would be launched for all 16 public transport operators.

FINALLY!!!!!!!!! :cheers:

yeah!!

CIMB raises stake in Touch ’N Go to 52.22pc
Saturday February 20 2010

http://media.themalaysianinsider.com/images/stories/logomix2/touch-n-go.jpg

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19 — CIMB Group Holdings Bhd has proposed to raise its equity interest in Touch ’N Go Sdn Bhd (TnG) from 20 per cent to 52.22 per cent.

In a filing to Bursa Malaysia today, the company said:

“The proposed transaction is aligned with the group’s commitment to offer its customers with a full range of financial products and services by providing the group with a readily available platform to compete in the high growth micro EPS (Electronic Payment System) space with TnG’s leading market share and established brand name.

“Further, as CIMB is an existing shareholder of TnG, the proposed transaction will allow the CIMB group to actively manage the operations of TnG to ultimately achieve the abovementioned commitment.”

The transaction involves CIMB SI 1 Sdn Bhd, a company ultimately 100 per cent-owned by CIMB, acquiring the 32.22 per cent equity interest in TnG from UEM Group Bhd and UEM Builders Bhd for RM53.8 million.

The share purchase agreement was signed today.

CIMB said the purchase consideration was arrived at on a willing buyer-willing seller basis and after taking into consideration the potential earnings and prospects of TnG vis-à-vis the outlook of the micro EPS market.

“CIMB SI intends to finance the proposed transaction via internally-generated funds and borrowings,” it added.

TnG was incorporated in 1996 under the name of Rangkaian Segar Sdn Bhd and was subsequently changed to Touch ’N Go Sdn Bhd in 2008. It has an authorised share capital of RM16.67 million and has no subsidiaries or associated companies.

TnG is primarily involved in providing contactless means of fare payment services via a pre-paid e-payment card. TnG is currently the sole Electronic Toll Collection System operator on highways and is also acknowledged as the Common Ticketing System for major public transportations in the Klang Valley.

Based on its audited financial statements for the financial year ended Dec 31, 2009, TnG’s net profits and net assets were RM15.6 million and RM35.0 million respectively.

Baring any unforeseen circumstances, the proposed transaction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2010.

Upon completion, UEM Group would retain a 20 per cent stake in TnG while MTD Capital Bhd the balance 27.78 per cent. — Bernama

CIMB Bank waives Touch 'n Go reload charge at ATMs
2010/08/19
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/CIMBBankwaivesTouch_nGoreloadchargeatATMs/Article/

KUALA LUMPUR: CIMB Bank, the commercial banking arm of CIMB Group, announced the waiver of Touch 'n Go reload charge at its automated teller machines (ATMs) nationwide effective Friday.

The service is available 24 hours, seven days a week and at all the bank's ATMs with Touch 'n Go touch-points.

Previously, customers have to pay a 50 sen charge for reload at ATMs.


"With the festive season approaching, many people will be travelling and we have worked hard to get this ready so that they can avoid long queues at the toll booths this year," said group chief executive Datuk Seri Nazir Razak in a statement.

"This is yet another service that is unique to CIMB Bank customers. Just a month ago, we announced that with the integration of our ATM network, our customers can withdraw cash from any of our 3,750 ATMs in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand, completely free of charge," he said. - BERNAMA

Free Touch 'n' Go cards for toll users
2010/08/29
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/4aop/Article/

SHAH ALAM: As part of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, Projek Lintasan Shah Alam Sdn Bhd (PLSASB), the concessionaire company for Lebuhraya Kemuning-Shah Alam (LKSA) will be distributing free Touch 'n' Go cards to its users.

The distribution is held at Seri Muda Toll Plaza and Alam Impian Toll Plaza beginning today until early next month.

The cards that carries a value of RM5 each will be given free as a thank-you gesture to users who have been using the highway since its official opening on May 18.

"This initiative will help users to have speedy transactions at toll plaza", said PLSASB general manager Rostam Shahrif Tami.

The 14.7km highway connects Kesas Highway and Federal Highway and is the best alternative to Shah Alam.

It will also become one of the catalysts of Shah Alam development.

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Puchong south toll plaza @ Damansara-Puchong Highway

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http://www.panoramio.com/photo/32787909

CIMB may dilute stake in Touch 'n Go
Published: 2011/04/14
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/touchn/Article/

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/touchn/pix_topright

KUALA LUMPUR: CIMB Group Holdings Bhd (1023)may dilute its 52.2 per cent stake in Touch 'n Go Sdn Bhd to enable the entry of new shareholders who can help grow the company.

Group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Nazir Razak said it was estimated that Touch 'n Go, the sole electronic toll collection operator for all highways in Peninsular Malaysia, would need to invest RM500 million over one-and-a-half years to upgrade its systems.

"We could look to dilute. We could probably want to bring in new shareholders as part of the financing exercise," Nazir said on the sidelines of the Invest Malaysia conference here, yesterday.

The investment would also go toward making highways multi-lane free flow (MLFF)-ready, a system that's said to allow cars to pass through toll plazas much faster than the current system as scanners would detect them much earlier.
Boston Consulting, Accenture and Octopus from Hong Kong have been hired to help come up with a masterplan, Nazir said.

Touch 'n Go's other shareholders are MTD Capital Bhd with a 27.78 per cent stake and UEM Group with 20 per cent.

He said a study on toll electronic-payment for the transport sector had been completed, and stakeholders were now being engaged on recommendations that were put forth.

Asked if the company would be listed, he said there were no immediate plans but that it was a long-term aspiration.

Malaysian will use TnG if there is discount price for toll and public transport fare..
So for sure, all the highway toll and public transport mode can change to electronic transaction.. cheers ^-^

Malaysian will use TnG if there is discount price for toll and public transport fare..
So for sure, all the highway toll and public transport mode can change to electronic transaction.. cheers ^-^

agreed

cuba la bg diskaun utk tng,,confirm2 la ramai akn beli

Touch 'n' Go (www.touchngo.com.my/) eyes 2m card sales
Published: 2011/07/14
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20110714143143/Article/index_html

Touch 'n' Go Sdn Bhd, an electronic payment system provider, is targetting the sale of two million cards this year, mainly driven by the high usage of the cards in public transport.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Hasni Zarina Mohamed Khan, said since the implementation of new bus ticketing system (NBTS) within the Rapid KL bus service, the penetration rate, to date, has reached an all-time high of 70 per cent, from only one per cent, in 2004.

"Annually, we sell about one million cards. With all these initiatives, we are looking at two million cards this year," she told reporters at a media briefing here today.

Currently, more than 22 million Touch 'n' Go cards, including MyKad, have been issued with more than four million cards remaining active.

The company was looking at 90 per cent penetration rate in the coming two to three months, she said.

"This is a phenomenal growth. It shows that Malaysians are ready and more confident of adopting and using this electronic payment system," Hasni added.

Other initiatives in the pipeline includes auto-reload from savings and current accounts, as well as, the adoption of the NBTS in other major cities.

The NBTS, which allows Touch 'n' Go cards to be purchased, reload and used as fare payment, is currently used onboard 1,336 buses.

"We are also talking with some local banks to adopt this auto-reload facility. This is part of our initiative to give more value-added service to our customers," she said.

Currently, through partnership with eight banks, the Touch 'n' Go Zing card allows auto-reload through credit cards.

As at end-May, there were 755,163 Zing cards in circulation.
-- BERNAMA

Plans for Touch ’n Go in taxis
By JOSEPH KAOS JR Wednesday September 28, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/9/28/nation/9589657&sec=nation#13172308374971&if_height=469

KUALA LUMPUR: The Touch ‘n Go cashless payment system could be introduced in Malaysian taxis to curb the problem of errant cabbies who refuse to use meters.

Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar said that although it is a good idea, the move needs to be studied thoroughl y before it could be implemented.

“Introducing Touch ‘n Go facilities in cabs can help enforce the use of meters in taxis.

“Cabbies cannot negotiate over the fare as passengers need only pay the fare displayed on the meter,” said Syed Hamid after launching the Touch ‘n Go system for the KLIA Express Rail Link (ERL).

“But this needs to be discussed thoroughly as it will involve additional charges and the equipment will have to be installed in taxis.”

Also at the ceremony were Touch ’n Go chief executive officer Abdul Karim Md Lassim and ERL chief executive officer Noormah Mohd Noor.

Noormah said the Touch ’n Go service was only available on the ERL Express Line for now and will be extended to the ERL Transit Line by mid-December.

Malaysian commuters can now use Touch ’n Go cards for Light Rail Transit (LRT) and RapidKL bus rides.

Commuters described the suggestion to introduce Touch ’n Go in cabs as a good idea.

“If Touch ’n Go is allowed, there will be no haggling over the fare,” said corporate communications executive Irwan Abdul Rahman, 37.

Journalist Aidila Razak, 27, said it is a good idea, adding that it would be better if taxis could also accept payment via credit and debit cards.

Touch ’n Go parking fee to go
By QISHIN TARIQ Wednesday October 5, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/10/5/nation/9633872&sec=nation#13178065236571&if_height=873

KUALA LUMPUR: The additional fee charged when using the Touch 'n Go card for ticketless parking will soon be a thing of the past, said CIMB Group chief executive Datuk Seri Nazir Razak.

The service available at nearly 50 locations including shopping centres, hospitals and hotels currently imposes a fee to cover the maintenance and operational cost of the system.

Nazir said the company would introduce several measures, including the removal of the additional fee for parking, increasing the number of retailers allowing Touch 'n Go payments and enhancing the system's IT and infrastructure, in an effort to increase Touch'n Go usage.

“Among the improvements we are looking at is to introduce the ability to transfer balances between cards owned by members of the same family.

“We are in the process of finding a vendor to make these upgrades,” he said, adding that CIMB and Touch 'n Go would be investing RM200mil in the exercise.

He said there were currently 9.2 million Touch 'n Go cards in use.

CIMB Group is a majority stake holder in Touch n Go with a 52.22% stake in the company.

Touch 'n Go chief executive officer Abdul Karim Md Lassim said the usage of Touch 'n Go had increased steadily and now accounted for more than 50% of toll payments made around the country, and 70% of toll payments in the Klang Valley.

“It is also becoming an increasingly popular method to pay fares on public transport, especially among RapidKL bus commuters,” he said.

Usage of Touch 'n Go on RapidKL buses had increased to 70%, up from 2% last year and up to 21%, from 12% in 2010 for rail-transit commuters.

“Touch 'n Go's efforts to improve its service have been commendable as it has also succeeded in reducing the number of staff needed to operate toll gates,” said Works Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor during the launch of the new Touch 'n Go headquarters at Bangsar South City, yesterday.

Longer periods to redeem Touch N Go rebate
Updated: Wednesday October 12, 2011 MYT 2:41:07 PM
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/10/12/nation/20111012144239&sec=nation#13186480778661&if_height=339

KUALA LUMPUR: Touch 'n Go card users can now redeem toll rebates under the 1Malaysia Frequent Travellers Programme for longer periods every month - from the 1st to the 9th and from the 15th to the end of the month.

Touch 'n Go Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Abdul Karim Md Lassim said the offline period would only be from the 10th to the 14th.

This convenience is extended to the card users following a recent upgrading to the operating system, he said in a statement.

Previously, redemptions could only be made from the 5th to the 15th and 23rd to the end of the month, with two periods when the system was offline.

Abdul Karim said the toll rebate, introduced in September 2009, offers highway users using the Electronic Toll Collection System (Touch 'n Go) a 20 per cent toll rebate redemption, provided they record a total usage of 80 times per month.

Card users can surf the www.touchngo.com.my website for the nearest office to make the redemption.

Hmm, can we use paying method like Smart Tag for Parking??

24-hour Touch n’ Go service at two Latar toll plazas
Friday March 2, 2012
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2012/3/2/central/10829366&sec=central

Motorists plying the KL-Kuala Selangor (Latar) Expressway can now reload their Touch n’ Go cards at any time of day starting today.

Latar Expressway chief executive officer Amran Amir said this new service would offer easy availability and accessibility to motorists.

“They can top-up their Touch n’ Go cards at selected toll plazas,” he said.

He said Latar was the first highway company in the Klang Valley to offer this 24-hour service.

The 24-hour reload lanes are available at its the toll plazas in Kuang Timur and Kuang Barat.

Amran said motorists could still reload their Touch n’ Go cards at all its customer service centres along the highway from 8.30am to 8.30pm.

“Service fees will not be charged upon any reloads at customer service centres and toll plazas,” he said.

Amran said Latar Expressway expected to achieve more than 50% Touch n’ Go users by year end, adding that motorists could save travelling cost while reducing traffic congestion on the manual payment lanes.

“Grab the opportunity for the entitlement of a 20% toll rebate given by the Government as it proves to be much cheaper,” he said, adding that details were available at www.touchngo.com.my

The highway company recently rewarded loyal users with free Touch n’ Go Latar commemorative cards to increase its use as a mode of toll payment.

Touch 'n Go
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8152/6956241194_e298662bf0_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bizarchitecture/6956241194/

SmartTAG
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8023/6956242030_34fd7634b2_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bizarchitecture/6956242030/

GSK, Touch 'n Go in co-branding exercise
By Zurinna Raja Adam Published: 2012/08/04
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/3GLAXO/Article/index_html

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/3GLAXO/pix_topright

KUALA LUMPUR: Leading pharmaceutical and healthcare firm, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Sdn Bhd (GSK) expects to sustain more than 10 per cent growth this year from over RM400 million sales posted last year.

Lee Hon Tong, commercial director for Malaysia and Singapore, said the group had achieved a double- digit growth year-on-year for the last five years.

Its two best-selling products, which account for more than a quarter each of its revenue, are paracetamol-based pain reliever Panadol and its fruity drink, Ribena.

Panadol holds more than 88 per cent market share of the local paracetamol-based pain reliever.

Lee said GSK will launch a new product range under Panadol by year-end to add to its current line-up such as Panadol Child Syrup, Panadol Menstrual, Paraflex for joint pain and Panadol Cold Flu.

Yesterday, the group launched its co-branded card for the Panadol "Be Prepared" campaign in collaboration with Touch 'n Go Sdn Bhd.

With a RM200,000 advertising expenditure allocated for the campaign, it targets 50,000 consumers to take up the limited edition's pre-loaded co-branded card.

These cards will be handed out to travellers at specified toll plazas.

"The campaign aims to remind the public to be 'Panadol prepared' by keeping a pack of Panadol handy at all times as a first treatment of pain relief," said Lee.

Malaysian Highway Authority director-general Datuk Ismail Md Salleh officiated at the event. Also present was Touch 'n Go chief executive officer Abdul Karim Md Lassim.

Can you use Touch n Go on Rapid buses eg RapidKL RapidPenang? I also wish they implement touch n go in other urban areas like Johor Bahru and Penang.

Touch 'n Go reload limit capped at RM1,500
26 September 2012 | last updated at 12:00PM
http://www.nst.com.my/latest/touch-n-go-reload-limit-capped-at-rm1-500-1.148659#

KUALA LUMPUR: Touch 'n Go card holders are only permitted a reload of not more than RM1,500 in value.

In a statement issued today, Touch 'n Go Sdn Bhd (TNGSB) said the capping is in line with the e-Money guidelines issued by Bank Negara Malaysia and applicable to all e-money issuers in the country.

"As one of the leading e-Money service providers in the country, Touch 'n Go is always mindful of its obligation to safeguard electronic money transactions and adhere to Bank Negara's guidelines.

"We believe it is timely to remind our customers about the capping limit of Touch 'n Go cards in light of the increasing trend in electronic payment modes recently," said TNGSB Chief Executive Officer, Abdul Karim Md. Lassim.

The e-money guideline issued by the central bank is aimed at ensuring the safety and soundness of e-money operations, as well as enhance customers' confidence in the usage of e-money services.

Touch 'n Go card is a form of electronic money governed by Bank Negara and must therefore, ensure that transactions performed by card users are protected.

As an e-money service provider, Touch 'n Go is also required to accumulate funds gathered from all reload transactions into a trustee account under the supervision of Bank Negara.

The establishment of a trustee account is aimed at ensuring that customers' money is efficiently and safely managed.

Money under the trustee account, will then be distributed to the respective service providers that accept Touch 'n Go transactions, such as highways, public transportation, parking, retail outlets and others.

Customers are also encouraged to register their cards as a safety measure - should the card be lost or stolen at www.touchngo.com.my or visit the nearest Touch 'n Go Hubs, 'Touch 'n Go SPOTs', and customer service counters along highways.

Those entitled to the Government Frequent Traveller Programme toll rebate are also recommended to check their card balance before redeeming it.

"Customers must ensure that the balance does not reach RM1,500 in value to avoid the cards being deactivated. Should their balance reach the limit, they are advised to utilise and reduce the balance before redeeming the rebate," TNGSB said.-- BERNAMA