Malaysia has begun testing an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) tolling system at 13 toll plazas involving 35 booths nationwide, as part of preparations to implement a full-scale Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system within the next two years.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the pilot project is a government initiative in collaboration with government-linked companies (GLCs) to pave the way for nationwide MLFF adoption.
The trial, led by Plus Malaysia Bhd (Plus), is supported by the Works Ministry, the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM), and various highway concessionaires.
“This ANPR initiative marks a strategic starting point for a more efficient, seamless and congestion-free MLFF system that we plan to roll out in the near future,” he said.
If successful, the pilot could see the MLFF system fully implemented across the country as early as 2027.
Speaking at the launch of the trial at Persada Plus NKVE today, Nanta said the pilot represents a crucial milestone in Malaysia’s move towards modern tolling.
“I personally witnessed the demonstration today.
“The ANPR open toll payment system clearly operates faster without requiring vehicles to stop,” he said.
The first live trial will take place along the Hutan Kampung-Sungai Dua stretch in Penang this October, before being expanded to the wider Plus network.
The ANPR system uses high-speed cameras to scan vehicle registration numbers and link them to drivers’ digital payment accounts.
Users must register online via the JustGO mobile app, input their vehicle details, and link a preferred payment method such as a debit or credit card.
Unlike RFID or SmartTAG, ANPR enables vehicles to use any available lane without stopping, tapping or slowing down, similar to Singapore’s Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system.
“Drivers will no longer need to stretch out their arms to tap payment cards.
“With ANPR, they can drive through toll plazas smoothly and without interruption,” said Nanta.
The JustGO platform also supports features such as toll transaction history, e-invoice access, and multiple cashless payment methods.
While RFID and SmartTAG offer contactless tolling, both still require vehicles to slow down and use dedicated lanes.
ANPR allows continuous movement through all lanes, easing congestion.
Nanta said the pilot project comes at no cost to the government and was developed entirely by local highway industry experts.
“I am proud that this system was built entirely by local talent, with no financial implications for the government.
“It shows the highway industry is proactive, innovative and responsive to user needs,” he said.
Plus, which operates the 748km North–South Expressway and six other highways, is spearheading the trial to evaluate the system’s performance under real traffic conditions.
“We are starting with ANPR to assess its reliability and accuracy before scaling up.
“The goal is to reduce congestion at toll booths and eventually eliminate physical barriers altogether,” Nanta said.
He said the ANPR system does more than scan number plates, it also incorporates camera and artificial intelligence (AI) technology to match each plate with the physical attributes of the vehicle.
“For example, if someone swaps number plates between vehicles, the system can detect mismatches and prevent fraud or misuse,” he said.
Once a number plate is successfully scanned, the toll fare is automatically deducted from the linked account.
Users can also connect multiple payment options in the JustGO app, including secondary and tertiary accounts.
If one account lacks sufficient funds, the system automatically charges the next available one.
“This greatly reduces the chance of failed transactions,” said Nanta.
