Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook provided a comprehensive update on his ministry's plans for implementing an Open Payment system for public transportation in Malaysia. This system, widely recognized as a global trend, has already been successfully deployed in major cities such as London, Sydney, and Singapore.

Minister Loke announced that the KTMB Komuter network system in the Klang Valley region is currently undergoing a significant upgrade, featuring the implementation of the Open Payment system known as Automatic Fare Collection (AFC). The upgrade is in its final stages and is set to commence operations in mid-November. Upon completion, all 57 KTMB Komuter stations in the Klang Valley will be equipped with advanced scanners at the entry gantries.

Commuters will have the convenience of using various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, Touch 'n Go, and QR codes via the KTMB mobile application at these gantries. The entire project represents an investment of RM29 million.

Furthermore, the Transport Minister disclosed that Prasarana initiated planning for the adoption of the Open Payment system within its rail networks in the Klang Valley starting early in 2023. This expansion encompasses the Rapid Rail network, which includes the LRT Kelana Jaya, LRT Ampang, MRT Kajang, MRT Putrajaya, and Monorail.

The new system is set to introduce additional payment modes, incorporating MyDebit and credit cards at the gantry, alongside the existing use of Touch 'n Go cards and tokens. The 'design and development' phase is anticipated to commence in March 2024, with Prasarana aiming to update 50% of the gantries at each station with the Open Payment system by February 2025.

Minister Loke emphasized that by August 2025, all gantries at every station will be equipped with the Open Payment system. Furthermore, the introduction of a QR code payment mode remains under consideration should there be a demand.

The Minister presented these comprehensive updates during his response to a parliamentary inquiry posed by Subang Member of Parliament (MP) Wong Chen. The query sought clarification regarding the progress of the Open Payment system's implementation in Malaysia's public transportation network

Source / Image Credit : Malay Mail , KTM