PLUS Malaysia Bhd (PLUS) has launched Malaysia’s first Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) tolling pilot for private vehicles, allowing drivers on the North-South Expressway (NSE) Hutan Kampung–Sungai Dua stretch to enter and exit through any toll lane without stopping.
The pilot covers nine toll plazas – Hutan Kampung, Alor Setar Utara, Alor Setar Selatan, Pendang, Gurun, Sungai Petani Utara, Sungai Petani Selatan, Bertam and Sungai Dua – spanning 87.7 kilometres.
PLUS said the initiative aims to reduce congestion and improve safety by eliminating last-minute lane changes.
ANPR cameras will automatically capture vehicle number plates and process toll payments through the JustGO Malaysia mobile app, linked to users’ preferred payment methods such as debit or credit cards.
Drivers do not need additional devices or upfront costs. The system, powered by AI and machine learning, is designed to recognise vehicles in various conditions, including different speeds, weather, viewing angles and non-standard licence plates.
PLUS said the app also offers e-invoicing, while existing payment methods such as Touch ‘n Go cards, SmartTAG and RFID remain available.
Barriers will stay in place during the pilot, with drivers advised to maintain 20–25 km/h through toll plazas.
Testing of the ANPR system has been ongoing since September 2024, with wider camera coverage already showing faster detection than conventional tolling methods.
The pilot is being conducted in collaboration with the Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA) and other highway concessionaires.
The project represents a step towards Malaysia’s future Multi Lane Fast Flow (MLFF) tolling system, which aims to offer more flexible, open-lane highway payments.
