Loke: Prasarana open payment system procurement to be finalised by year-end

Kuala Lumpur, October 21 — Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced during a recent parliamentary session that Prasarana Malaysia Berhad is nearing completion of the procurement process for a new open payment system. This innovative system aims to streamline fare collection across public transport networks in the Klang Valley and Penang by enabling commuters to use debit and credit cards, mobile wallets, QR codes, and other contactless payment methods.

The initiative was first introduced in 2023, with Loke stating that a modernized payment system was essential to accommodate more payment options alongside the existing ones.

Loke clarified that the current procurement and evaluation phase is nearing its conclusion, with the final decision expected to be made by the end of the year. He emphasized that the lengthy implementation timeline is necessary to ensure Prasarana's full compliance with internal procurement standard operating procedures and guidelines, thereby guaranteeing a transparent process.

Once fully implemented, passengers will have the flexibility to pay using various methods, including MyDebit cards, EMV-based international credit and debit cards, contactless NFC devices, mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Alipay, as well as QR code ticketing and Touch 'n Go cards. The minister further indicated that the system will support additional approved payment mediums in the future.

The decision to launch this new payment system stems from the ongoing calls for improvement, as public transport users have long sought a solution to the limitations of relying solely on cash and the existing card-based payment system through Touch 'n Go, which often results in long queues at payment gates. While some Opposition MPs questioned the need for an open payment system, Loke defended the initiative, acknowledging that the implementation process demands considerable time to ensure strict adherence to internal procurement standard operating procedures and governance guidelines.