KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 — Ever wished you could just tap in with your credit card at an MRT or LRT fare gate in Kuala Lumpur, instead of buying a token or looking for the Touch ‘n Go card that you left in the car?

The good news is that it is coming soon.

The other good news is that you will also be able to use other cashless payment options — such as debit cards, QR codes, mobile wallets (e.g. Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) — for buses and trains in Kuala Lumpur in the future too.

Current options for KL’s rail services: Buy a token or use TNG card 

Public transport operator Prasarana Malaysia Berhad explained why passengers currently cannot use credit cards, mobile wallets and QR codes yet to directly tap in and out for Rapid KL’s train services.

“Rapid KL’s current automated fare collection (AFC) system utilises the Touch ‘n Go platform, which has been the backbone of the network’s cashless ticketing since 1999.

“As a closed-loop system, it currently restricts tap-in and tap-out functionality exclusively to Touch ‘n Go as the sole stored value card media, alongside single-journey tokens for cash-based ticketing.

“While this system has served commuters reliably for decades, it was designed before the emergence of newer open payment technologies such as contactless bank cards and mobile wallets. 

“As such, the existing infrastructure does not currently support direct integration with these newer payment methods,” the company said in a response to Malay Mail’s enquiry.

Currently, you can use cash, credit cards or debit cards at a ticket machine at Rapid KL’s train stations... but only to buy a token or reload your Touch ‘n Go card.

Now, you can only use a Touch ‘n Go card or a token to tap in and out for Rapid KL’s train rides, as seen here. — Picture by Choo Choy May

According to Prasarana, QR code payment “is available at all LRT, MRT, Monorail and BRT station counters”, which is also where you can buy tokens and reload Touch ‘n Go cards.

You can, of course, use cash or credit cards and debit cards at these station counters too to buy tokens or top-up your Touch ‘n Go cards’ value.

Current options for KL’s bus services  

For Rapid KL’s buses, you can only pay using Touch ‘n Go cards or Rapid KL cards now, as cash is no longer an option since May 2019, based on Prasarana’s My Rapid website.

You can use cash, credit card or debit card at the ticket machine to buy a token or top-up your Touch ‘n Go card for a train ride. — Picture by Choo Choy May

Prasarana confirmed to Malay Mail that QR code payments to hop on Rapid KL buses are “not yet” available.

“At present, alternative payment options are limited: Rapid KL On-Demand (ROD) allows bookings via app-based payments, including QR code payments.

“However, credit cards, debit cards, and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) are not yet enabled for direct tap-in/tap-out across rail or bus services,” it said.

In the future: What we can expect  

Prasarana confirmed that it plans to enable an open payment system (including credit cards, debit cards, QR codes, mobile wallets) for directly tapping in and out for all its train and bus services.

“Yes, Prasarana is actively working towards implementing an open payment system. The project is currently at the award stage, with finalisation expected soon,” it said.

Prasarana said this project is “currently in the final stages of the award process”.

It added that this initiative “will allow commuters to use credit/ debit cards and, eventually, mobile wallets for seamless travel”.

Prasarana said “QR code payment capability is included as part of the open payment system rollout”, and that this will be made available for both its rail services and bus services.

“The implementation timeline will align with the broader open payment deployment for rail and bus services,” it said.

Expected timeline for open payment system rollout  

After the project is awarded, Prasarana said the open payment system is expected to be fully available within 30 months for its rail services, and within 15 months for its bus services in the Klang Valley.

In the future, QR code payments will be one of the alternative available payment methods for Rapid KL’s buses, according to Prasarana. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon

Prasarana said “all payment modes under the open payment system, including credit cards, debit cards, QR, and NFC, will be delivered within the project timeline”.

“Once the project is awarded, open payment will be rolled out in phases in accordance with the project timeline. 

“It is planned to cover all rail services (LRT, MRT, and Monorail) as well as bus services (BRT, Rapid KL, MRT Feeder bus, and Rapid Penang).

“Implementation for Rapid KL On-Demand (ROD) may follow a different timeline, subject to business direction/ prioritisation.” 

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 — Are you a tourist visiting Kuala Lumpur for the first time, and want to try riding the trains and buses in the city?

Here’s a simple guide with some tips:

If you want to take Rapid KL's trains in Kuala Lumpur (LRT, MRT, monorail) and also the BRT  

There are now only two ways you can tap in at the fare gate:

Token: This small, round piece of plastic is only for a single journey, and you have to put it into the slot at the fare gates to exit. So you will have to buy a new one for every journey. 

Touch ‘n Go card: This is a stored-value card that you can tap in and out at fare gates, and can keep reusing by topping up the value in the card. (Other examples around the world include London’s Oyster card, Hong Kong’s Octopus card, Taiwan’s EasyCard, and Singapore’s EZ-Link card.)

There is also the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Sunway line, which actually uses electric buses on a dedicated bus lane, but also uses the same fare system of tokens or Touch ‘n Go cards. 

What this means: Currently, you cannot use a credit card, debit card, QR code payments, or your mobile wallet (such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) to directly tap in and out of the fare gate.  

These alternative methods will be available in the future under an “open payment system”, which public transport operator Prasarana Malaysia Berhad told Malay Mail is a project “currently in the final stages of the award process”.

Conclusion: For now, you can only board the train or BRT if you use a token or Touch ‘n Go card.  

Will you be using a token or a Touch 'n Go card to ride the trains in Kuala Lumpur? — Picture by Choo Choy May .

How can you buy a token? 

You can buy it at the self-service ticket machines at the train stations or BRT stations: Pay using cash, credit card, or debit card.

You can also buy it at the station counters: Pay using cash, credit card, debit card, QR code payments.

“QR code payment is available at all LRT, MRT, Monorail, and BRT station counters, offering passengers a convenient alternative,” Prasarana told Malay Mail when confirming that this payment option is available.

What if you don't have cash or credit card in your hands now? You can use QR code payment when buying a token or reloading your Touch 'n Go card at Rapid KL train stations' counters. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

How can you reload a Touch ‘n Go card? 

To reload a Touch ‘n Go card at the train stations, you can do it at the ticket machines or at the counters (with the same payment methods as buying a token at these two places).

Make sure you have at least RM5 balance in the Touch ‘n Go card for your train rides.

If you want to buy a Touch ‘n Go NFC card (which can be reloaded through your smartphones), you can try buying it at Rapid KL customer service counters at train stations.

For tourists, there is also the Rapid Kembara all-in-one travel pass for unlimited rides on Rapid KL’s trains, BRT, and buses for one day (RM25) or three days (RM55), but you will need to have a Touch ‘n Go card for this.

Check out the Rapid Kembara’s Frequently Asked Questions and Terms and Conditions here: https://myrapid.com.my/our-products/rapidkembarapass/

Tourists are seen here buying tokens at a ticket machine at an LRT station in Kuala Lumpur. — Picture by Choo Choy May

Did you know that you actually pay slightly more if you use a token, instead of a Touch ‘n Go card? 

Prasarana explained that it is because of extra costs and to encourage passengers to choose the cashless option instead.

“Token fares are typically up to 10 per cent higher due to additional operational costs, including token production, maintenance, and cash handling.

“It’s important to note that overall fare structures are regulated and based on distance travelled, in accordance with guidelines set by the relevant authorities. The pricing difference is therefore not arbitrary but reflects the higher cost of servicing cash-based transactions,” it told Malay Mail in a written response.

“At the same time, the pricing structure is designed to encourage a shift towards cashless travel, which is more efficient and sustainable for the system,” it added.

While there are future plans to enable alternative tap-in and tap-out methods such as credit cards and mobile wallets, using a Touch 'n Go card is the more convenient option now. — Picture by Choo Choy May

So is a Touch ‘n Go card the best option now for tourists using Rapid KL’s train services? 

“Yes, using a Touch ‘n Go card is currently the most convenient and cost-effective option for tourists,” Prasarana told Malay Mail.

It listed three reasons:

> “It eliminates the need to queue for single-journey tokens.”

> “It offers slightly lower fares.”

> “It enables seamless transfers across multiple services.”

“For frequent or even moderate usage, it is effectively a ‘no-brainer’ compared to buying tokens for each trip,” it said.

Can you get refunds on your Touch ‘n Go cards at the end of your visit to Kuala Lumpur?

When asked if there is an option for tourists to return their Touch ‘n Go cards at Rapid KL train stations to get a refund on the unused balance and the card, Prasarana explained that “Touch ‘n Go cards and their refund processes are managed by Touch ‘n Go, not Rapid KL”.

“Tourists seeking refunds on card balance or deposits would need to refer to Touch ‘n Go’s official channels and policies for the latest procedures,” it said.

Touch 'n Go's website has a section called "eRefund" with information on how you can get refunds on inactive or expired Touch 'n Go cards. 

Prasarana is working to make public transport in Kuala Lumpur more user-friendly for tourists  

Prasarana confirmed that “improving accessibility and convenience for tourists is a key priority for Rapid KL”.

Prasarana said its planned and ongoing initiatives include:

> “Implementation of open payment systems — this is a major milestone that will enable international visitors to use their own credit and debit cards, as well as EMV-enabled mobile wallets, directly at fare gates, thereby eliminating the need to purchase or reload a separate transit card.”

> “While the transition is underway, we continue to promote the Touch ‘n Go Enhanced (NFC) card. This is currently the only Touch ‘n Go card that allows users to reload and activate stored value directly via their smartphones, enabling both tourists and locals to bypass physical reload counters and avoid queuing.”

> “Expanding the availability and integration of QR-based payments to enable more flexible ticketing, in line with the shift toward cashless and digital payment options.”

> “Continuous improvements to wayfinding, multilingual passenger information, and digital platforms to ensure the network is more seamless, intuitive and globally-aligned.”

“These initiatives are strategically aimed at aligning Rapid KL with global transit standards, ensuring a seamless and ‘frictionless’ travel experience for both daily commuters and international visitors,” it said.

Rapid KL bus fares can range from RM1 to RM5, depending on the ride zones you are travelling to. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon

Bonus: What about Rapid KL’s buses?  

Based on information available on Prasarana’s MyRapid website, all Rapid KL bus services no longer accept cash payment for bus fares since May 27, 2019.

This includes feeder buses to MRT and LRT rail stations.

The only way you can pay the bus fares now is by using a Touch ‘n Go card. (Make sure you have at least RM3 balance in the card before you hop on the bus.)

In the future, Prasarana will also introduce an open payment system (such as QR code payment and credit cards) for its buses in Kuala Lumpur, and this is also at the stage of finalisation for the awarding of the project.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 18 — The revised Bill for the proposed separation of the Attorney General’s (AG) and Public Prosecutor’s (PP) roles will be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on June 22, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said today.

Azalina expressed hope that MPs from the federal opposition would support this revised Bill, as a two-thirds majority (148 out of 222 MPs) would be needed for this proposed law change.

“I hope so. Looks quite positive. I hope. Nevertheless, I hope we can have this sitting for June and we can have this constitutional amendment to get the 148,” she told reporters at Parliament here after a bipartisan parliamentary special select committee’s (PSSC) meeting on the Bill.

She was responding to a question on whether MPs in the PSSC have given their commitment on behalf of their political parties to support the Bill.

While Azalina declined to take any questions on political matters, she hoped that politicians would only make decisions after parliamentary proceedings on the revised Bill.

“And I hope any decision to be made by party leaderships can be made after the Parliament sitting.

“I hope it will happen after the constitutional amendment for AG-PP. Not before,” she said, adding: “So I hope the bosses will decide and negotiate.”

MORE TO COME