First implemented in 1997, a Touch ‘n Go card is a cashless payment card that is used primarily for public transportation and electronic toll payment, but can also be used to pay at certain retail outlets and parking lots. It's a very useful card to have around and is one of the first things that a newcomer to Malaysia – particularly Kuala Lumpur – should get.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
A Touch 'n Go can be used on the following:
- Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines
- KTM Komuter
- KL Monorail
- MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang
- BRT Sunway Line
- RapidKL buses
- KLIA Express
- Airport coach (KLIA and Nu Sentral only)
- Panorama Melaka
To encourage more people to use the Touch ‘n Go card, you pay less when you use it for public transport. They can be purchased from sales counters, self-service kiosks and dedicated hubs, usually found in most major malls, petrol stations on highways and some Bank Negara Malaysia branches.
Smart Travel Products
If you’re a moderate to heavy commuter, consider getting a weekly or monthly package on your Touch ‘n Go card for more savings. Even if it’s RM0.50 per trip, that can add up quickly if you travel often.
The MyRapid Smart 7 Weekly is a package with a RM2.50 weekly subscription fee that gives you access to reduced fees on rail lines and the BRT Sunway Line.
The MyRapid Smart 30 Monthly is the same package with even cheaper fees, but the RM10 monthly subscription fee means you have to be a frequent traveller to benefit from the savings.
Malaysian senior citizens over 60, people with disabilities and all students can apply for concession cards. If you're not sure what to pick, let them recommend a suitable package here.
ELECTRONIC TOLL PAYMENT
In August 2017, all toll plazas throughout Malaysia went fully electronic and only accept Touch 'n Go cards as the main electronic payment system. So if you plan to drive around Malaysia, make sure you have a Touch 'n Go with enough credit on hand, or you might face the awkward situation of having to park your car at the side and walk to the office to buy one on the spot.
Each toll plaza has dedicated reload lanes, but they don't sell brand new cards. Take note that certain highways like the South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE) requires a minimum reload of RM30 if you do it at the toll plaza, so make sure you have enough in your card before heading out.
A SmartTAG device is a reader device you put on the dashboard of your car for automatic payment (no more rolling down the window). Insert the card and you're good to go, but keep an eye on its battery level and it's best to put it away when not in use to avoid robbery attempts. You can also use the device to check the balance of your card.
RETAIL
You can use the credit on your Touch 'n Go card to pay for food, beverage, and entertainment at various places around Malaysia. Click here to see the full list. Certain malls also accept Touch 'n Go for parking payment purposes in their parking lots – but take note that you'll be charged a 10 per cent service fee on top of the parking cost.
PURCHASING AND RELOADING
You can purchase Touch ‘n Go cards at over 4,000 places nationwide, including most shopping malls – click here to see a list of self-serving kiosks near you. SmartTAG devices can be purchased at Touch ‘n Go hubs in Bangsar South and Nu Sentral in Kuala Lumpur, through online orders from Touch ‘n Go Malaysia, or on e-commerce sites like Lazada.
You can reload at Touch ‘n Go sales counters and reload lanes on toll plazas. If that’s too much of a hassle, banks like CIMB and Maybank offer auto-reload cards that are linked to credit cards and give limited rebates.
Tip: Registering your Touch 'n Go card on the MYTouchnGo platform isn't necessary but is highly recommended as it allows you to track your card usage and print statements. If your card is stolen, you can also contact the company to deactivate the card and refund your balance.
