KUALA LUMPUR — The adoption of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology is gaining significant momentum in Malaysia, particularly within the Klang Valley, where it has become a staple in parking facilities and access control systems at commercial buildings. 

Experts now see ANPR as the superior choice for the future of toll payment systems, especially under the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) framework.

Unlike traditional MLFF systems that rely heavily on dedicated onboard units or Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, ANPR technology eliminates the need for motorists to instal additional devices, Mohammad Nor Izzuddin Amaran, CMILT PhD candidate at Mitrans UITM and Head of Supply Chain Management, MAB Engineering Services Sdn Bhd (MAG) told Bernama in an interview.

This key advantage allows for a smoother transition and faster implementation as the vast majority of vehicles are already equipped with visible and registered number plates. 

The technology’s ability to identify vehicles without physical barriers ensures uninterrupted traffic flow, significantly reducing congestion at toll plazas.

“The integration of ANPR in tolling systems promises a more efficient and user-friendly approach. Motorists no longer need to worry about carrying or installing tags, which can be lost or malfunction, and unlike physical devices, ANPR does not come with a fixed lifespan that requires replacement,” said the final-year Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidate at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UITM), who has worked on MLFF system before.

“This streamlines the entire toll collection process and enhances the overall driving experience,” said Mohammad Nor Izzuddin, whose PhD thesis is entitled: “Multi-Lane Fast Flow (MLFF) - A Revolutionary Way for Improving Traffic Flow and Customer Satisfaction at Toll Plaza”.