This Is Why Touch 'n Go Users Need To Pay Parking Surcharge
Most users need to pay an extra 10% when they use Touch 'n Go to pay parking fees.
By Tang Ruxyn — 24 May 2017, 12:54 PM
"Why do we need to pay a surcharge for using Touch 'n Go at parking sites?"
In recent times, more and more Malaysians have begun to question why they are being slapped with an additional 10% surcharge when they use Touch 'n Go at shopping centres or any other parking sites.
They find it extremely strange that they are being "penalised" for wanting to adopt this environmental-friendly and convenient practice.
Many Touch 'n Go users argued that the system reduces the cost for car park operators in terms of tickets production and manpower. Some even said that discounts should be introduced to encourage more people to start using this system but instead, users are being slapped with this surcharge.
NST reported that consumer groups such as the Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) and Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations have also raised their concerns on the issue, as they are worried about customers being ripped off due to monopoly.
To put it simply, the additional surcharge is actually a service fee to provide a faster, easier, and safer parking system
NST recently reached out to a representative from Touch 'n Go Sdn Bhd (TNGSB) for some clarification on the matter and the representative revealed that the extra fee imposed is to ensure users may enjoy value-added services.
"Touch 'n Go only gets a certain portion at settlement and processing fees. The additional charges serves as service fee for the extra convenience offered when you park with Touch 'n Go and also to cover the maintenance & system upgrades," Aina Abdullah, head of corporate sales, marketing and communication was quoted as saying by NST.
She revealed that a parking surcharge, which is usually set at 10% (or 20 sen) as per the mutual agreement between Touch 'n Go, the parking operator and building owner, is shared among the parties involved.
This is consistent with the explanation on Touch 'n Go's website on why additional charges exist
"The additional charges serve as service fee for the extra convenience offered and to cover the maintenance and operation costs of the system, on top of the conventional ticketing system service," read a line from the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (FAQ) section.
According to Touch 'n Go, these are some of the benefits that end-users will enjoy:
1. Time-saving - No unnecessary time wasted to find autopay machines
2. ** Hassle Free** - No queuing at the autopay especially when there are only a few machines available
3. Safety - Especially for ladies and senior citizens at night when the autopay machines are located in a remote area within the building
4. Convenience - Cashless; no notes, coins shortage or change worries
5. Efficient - Maximise quality time with family and friends
According to Aina, TNGSB has been working towards removing the surcharge at parking sites "progressively"
The following is the list of locations that are without parking surcharge, as listed on TnG's website:
1. Bank Negara HQ (Medan Kupang), Kuala Lumpur
2. Bank Negara Sasana Kijang, Kuala Lumpur
3. Bidara Service Apartments, Kuala Lumpur
4. International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur
5. Kompleks Mutiara, Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur
6. Lai Meng School (Open Car Park), Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur
7. Wisma SPS, Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur
8. KTM Shah Alam (Seksyen 19), Shah Alam, Selangor
9. Setia City Convention Centre, Shah Alam, Selangor
10. Shaftsbury Square, Cyberjaya, Selangor
11. SS23 Open Car Park, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
12. Subang Sky Park, Subang, Selangor
13. The Mines, Seri Kembangan, Selangor
14.Wisma MBSA, Shah Alam Selangor
15 East Coast Mall, Kuantan, Pahang
16. Legoland, Johor