Kuala lumpur: The adoption of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology is rapidly advancing in Malaysia, particularly within the Klang Valley, where it is now commonly used in parking facilities and access control systems in commercial buildings.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, experts view ANPR as a superior choice for the future of toll payment systems, especially under the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) framework. Unlike traditional MLFF systems that depend on dedicated onboard units or Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, ANPR technology eliminates the need for motorists to install additional devices. Mohammad Nor Izzuddin Amaran, CMILT PhD candidate at MITRANS UITM and Head of Supply Chain Management at MAB Engineering Services Sdn Bhd, highlighted this advantage in an interview, noting that it allows for smoother transition and faster implementation as most vehicles already have visible and registered number plates.
The technology’s capability to identify vehicles without physical b
arriers ensures uninterrupted traffic flow, significantly reducing congestion at toll plazas. Mohammad Nor Izzuddin, a final-year PhD candidate at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UITM) who has worked on the MLFF system, stated that integrating ANPR in tolling systems offers a more efficient and user-friendly approach. Motorists would no longer need to manage tags that can be lost or malfunction, and unlike physical devices, ANPR does not require replacement due to a fixed lifespan.
The North-South Expressway (PLUS Highway) has begun testing the ANPR system in the northern region, with a pilot project on an 87-kilometre stretch between Hutan Kampung in Kedah and Sungai Dua in Penang starting in October. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi announced in August that ANPR is the first step toward implementing the MLFF system within the next two years to ease congestion at toll plazas.
Mohammad Nor Izzuddin emphasized that for large-scale deployment to be successful, ANPR systems must be supported by robu
st database infrastructure and high-accuracy cameras. Effective enforcement mechanisms are essential for maintaining consistent performance across various lighting, weather, and traffic conditions. Authorities are optimistic that technological advancements will address these challenges, making ANPR a reliable and cost-effective solution.
As Malaysia continues its push toward smart city initiatives and digitalization 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. Mohammad Nor Izzuddin noted that implementing a single toll payment option may initially limit competition among payment providers, but it establishes a stable foundation for long-term efficiency, data integration, and service reliability across the toll network.
While competition and innovation can still be encouraged through value-added services and technology enhancements, maintaining a limited number of accredited prov
iders ensures innovation and reliability while keeping the system simple and user-friendly. For Malaysia, this balance could be achieved by accrediting a few qualified providers that meet strict technical, security, and service standards.
Regarding device and account-based payment options, Mohammad Nor Izzuddin acknowledged potential challenges if the only accepted toll payment method requires specific devices or accounts. This may affect inclusivity and accessibility, particularly among occasional users and certain community segments. Ensuring clear guidance, multiple registration and top-up options, and accessible customer service is crucial. Providing physical service counters, retail reload points, and multilingual assistance can help all drivers comply and benefit from the new system.
While the implementation of MLFF does not automatically lead to the adoption of dynamic pricing algorithms, it provides a technological foundation that could support such features in the future. Dynamic pricing, which adj
usts toll rates based on traffic volume or time of day, has been implemented in some countries to manage congestion and optimize 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.