Background: A Long-Awaited Digital Upgrade - For years, Malaysian drivers have been hearing about the move towards a more seamless toll payment experience. At the heart of this effort is Account Based Transaction (ABT), better known as PayDirect, which allows motorists to link their Touch 'n Go eWallet directly to their toll usage. Instead of topping up cards manually, payments are deducted in real time from the eWallet balance.
This idea was first floated in 2019, and while it has been rolled out on certain highways and parking facilities, it has yet to become the standard across PLUS Malaysia Berhad's network — including the critical North-South Expressway (NSE).
LLM's Firm Directive to PLUS
The Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) has now issued a strong push for action. PLUS has officially been instructed to implement ABT across its highways, starting with updates on pilot projects along key stretches:
LLM's directive includes not only presenting the progress of these pilots but also submitting a comprehensive rollout plan for ABT adoption across the entire PLUS highway network.
Timelines and Deadlines
LLM isn't leaving much room for delays this time. PLUS has been told to review its internal reports and present findings by 23 September. Following that, a Test on Completion (TOC) is scheduled between 29 September and 3 October, covering the busy Juru (Penang) to Skudai (Johor) stretch of the NSE.
This marks a significant milestone, as the Juru–Skudai corridor is one of the most heavily used stretches of highway in the country. A successful test here would pave the way for full adoption.
Why PayDirect Matters for Drivers
The ABT system isn't just about convenience — it solves real problems for road users:
Early pilot tests have shown positive results, and motorists have expressed strong support for wider adoption.
The Push Stems from Delays
While the benefits are clear, rollout delays have frustrated both regulators and the public. According to reports, LLM had already flagged slow progress earlier this year. A February letter and an April meeting highlighted concerns, leading to commitments by PLUS to:
Despite these promises, progress has remained sluggish, prompting this latest directive.
What's Next?
With deadlines looming, PLUS is under pressure to demonstrate results quickly. If the TOC in late September proves successful, drivers could finally see ABT — and by extension, PayDirect — become a mainstream toll payment method across Malaysia's largest highway network.
For everyday Malaysians, this means fewer bottlenecks, fewer payment headaches, and a step closer to a fully digital highway experience. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether this long-discussed initiative finally hits the fast lane.
