ANPR Technology: The Future Of Toll Payment Systems In Malaysia

By Saraswathi Muniappan

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 (Bernama) -- The adoption of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology is gaining significant momentum in Malaysia, particularly within the Klang Valley, where it has become a staple in parking facilities and access control systems at commercial buildings. 

Experts now see ANPR as the superior choice for the future of toll payment systems, especially under the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) framework.

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Unlike traditional MLFF systems that rely heavily on dedicated onboard units or Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, ANPR technology eliminates the need for motorists to instal additional devices, Mohammad Nor Izzuddin Amaran, CMILT PhD candidate at MITRANS UITM and Head of Supply Chain Management, MAB Engineering Services Sdn Bhd (MAG) told Bernama in an interview.

This key advantage allows for a smoother transition and faster implementation as the vast majority of vehicles are already equipped with visible and registered number plates. 

The technology’s ability to identify vehicles without physical barriers ensures uninterrupted traffic flow, significantly reducing congestion at toll plazas.

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“The integration of ANPR in tolling systems promises a more efficient and user-friendly approach. Motorists no longer need to worry about carrying or installing tags, which can be lost or malfunction, and unlike physical devices, ANPR does not come with a fixed lifespan that requires replacement,” said the final-year Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidate at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UITM), who has worked on MLFF system before.

“This streamlines the entire toll collection process and enhances the overall driving experience,” said Mohammad Nor Izzuddin, whose PhD thesis is entitled: ”Multi-Lane Fast Flow (MLFF) - A Revolutionary Way for Improving Traffic Flow and Customer Satisfaction at Toll Plaza.”

It is noted that the North-South Expressway (PLUS Highway) has begun testing the ANPR system in the northern region, with the 87-kilometre stretch between Hutan Kampung in Kedah to Sungai Dua in Penang serving as the pilot project in October.

In making the announcement in August, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said ANPR was the first step towards implementing the MLFF system within the next two years, aimed at easing congestion at toll plazas.

To the extent, Mohammad Nor Izzuddin said to ensure the success of large-scale deployment, ANPR systems must be supported by a robust database infrastructure and cameras with high accuracy.

Moreover, effective enforcement mechanisms are critical to maintaining consistent performance across various lighting, weather, and traffic conditions. Authorities are optimistic that advancements in technology will address these challenges, making ANPR a reliable and cost-effective solution.

With Malaysia’s continued push towards smart city initiatives and digitalisation as outlined in the recent 2026 Budget and 13th Malaysia Plan, ANPR’s scalability and convenience position it as the preferred technology for future tolling systems nationwide.

Asked on a single toll payment option, he said implementing a single toll payment system may initially limit competition among payment providers as the focus is on achieving a unified and consistent platform for all motorists. 

However, this approach also establishes a stable foundation for long-term efficiency, data integration, and service reliability across the entire toll network.

In the longer term, competition and innovation can still be encouraged through value-added services, technology enhancements, and user-centric features offered by the appointed service provider. 

The key objective is to ensure that the system remains efficient, transparent, and continuously improved to deliver better convenience and fairness to all road users.

“The ideal approach is to maintain a limited but competitive number of vendors that ensures innovation and reliability while keeping the system simple and user-friendly.”

He said for Malaysia, the balance could be achieved by accrediting only a few qualified providers that meet strict technical, security, and service standards. 

“This allows healthy competition while ensuring that users enjoy a consistent and seamless toll payment experience nationwide.”

As for devices and account based payment options, Mohammad Nor Izzuddin said drivers may face challenges if the only accepted toll payment method requires specific devices or accounts, particularly those who are unfamiliar with digital systems, do not own compatible devices, or are visiting from abroad. 

This may temporarily affect inclusivity and accessibility, especially among occasional users and certain segments of the community.

It is important to ensure that clear guidance, multiple registration and top-up options, and accessible customer service are made available. 

Providing physical service counters, retail reload points, and multilingual assistance can also help ensure that all drivers, regardless of background or digital readiness, are able to comply and benefit from the new system.

Whether the implementation of MLFF eventually result in Malaysia adapting the "Dynamic Pricing Algorithms for Toll Roads", he said: “The implementation of the MLFF system does not automatically mean that Malaysia will adopt dynamic pricing algorithms.”

However, MLFF provides the technological foundation that could support such features in the future if the government decides to explore them.

“Dynamic pricing, which adjusts toll rates based on factors such as traffic volume or time of day, has been implemented in some countries to manage congestion and optimise road usage.”

For Malaysia, any move toward dynamic pricing would require careful study, stakeholder consultation, and policy alignment to ensure fairness, transparency, and public acceptance.

-- BERNAMA