Touch ‘n Go eWallet SOS Balance launched – delays toll payments for 24 hours, prevents baki kurang

We already detailed Touch ‘n Go eWallet’s new SOS Balance feature yesterday, but now it’s official with its launch at the headquarters of Touch ‘n Go’s e-commerce arm TNG Digital today. As previously reported, the new service provides temporary relief for users with insufficient balance by delaying toll payments for 24 hours (up to a maximum of RM80 for now), preventing them from getting stuck at toll plazas due to baki kurang.

Available for free through the eWallet app starting today, SOS Balance will initially be offered to “our most loyal users” who have consistently demonstrated they have cleared all outstanding payments promptly, frequently reload their eWallet and actively use their eWallet for transactions. Eligible users will be enrolled automatically and notified via a push notification on their phones.

Once SOS Balance is triggered, users have a 24-hour grace period to reload their eWallet, after which the delayed toll payments are automatically deducted. After those 24 hours are up, the feature will be suspended, and users will need to reload their balance to use their eWallet again. The good news is that there will not be any additional fees or interest charged on top of the delayed payments.

Users can check their outstanding SOS Balance toll payments by tapping on either the car icon at the top of the app’s main menu or on a notification displayed below your eWallet balance. Just like your eWallet, SOS Balance only works at toll plazas with RFID lanes or have PayDirect enabled; in other words, it won’t save you if your TNG card balance is low.

Regarding the highways that support both RFID and PayDirect, TNG Direct says that 31 out of 33 highways in Malaysia currently support at least one or the other, with a vast majority supporting both. Of major importance are highways operated by PLUS Malaysia, such as the North-South Highway, ELITE Highway and the North Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE).

These highways already support RFID payments, while the implementation of PayDirect is said to be “in progress,” as is the case with the West Coast Expressway (WCE). Only the East Coast Expressways (LPT1 and LPT2) have no plans to implement either system.

Besides the obvious convenience for forgetful road users, TNG Digital says SOS Balance also benefits highway operators by streamlining toll collection workflows and reducing transaction times. As such, the feature is expected to improve traffic flow, optimise operational efficiency and minimise manual interventions, in addition to providing operators and regulators with real-time toll data for better decision-making.

“The introduction of SOS balance reflects our commitment to delivering user-centric innovations that simplify and enhance the daily lives of Malaysians,” said TNG Digital CEO Alan Ni. “By addressing common challenges faced at toll booths, this feature ensures a seamless and cashless experience, aligning with Malaysia’s digital transformation goals. Beyond convenience, it reduces delays at toll plazas, alleviates traffic congestion and enhances the efficiency of highway operations.”

While the service is currently only offered for toll payments, TNG Digital says it is committed to extending SOS Balance to other applications and expanding its coverage in the near future.

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