Gerakan has urged the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to drop its proposal to introduce the e-Plate or RFID (radio frequency identification licence) for cars, saying it is costly, troublesome and will increase the financial burden of motorists.

Gerakan deputy secretary-general Liang Teck Meng said the department should do a thorough study on the impact of this new e-Plat system to the people, besides looking into the legal implications.

“We understand that the price of e-plate will cost up to RM150 each, compared with the present one costing from RM10 to RM30 each. There is absolutely no need to saddle motorists with additional financial burden,” said Liang in a statement.

Liang, who is also Simpang Renggam Member of Parliament, said feedback received by Gerakan showed a overwhelming majority of people were against the proposal.

“Our president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon has made it clear in no uncertain terms last month when interviewed by media that Gerakan would oppose this plan in line with 1Malaysia – People Firts principle,” Liang stressed.

Liang also expressed concern over the new plan that suggests the e-plates will only be available at authorised e-plate makers appointed by JPJ.

The e-plate system is part of the government’s Automated Enforcement System to be implemented by 2010, which will also include 700 new surveillance cameras at strategic locations nationwide.

It is assumed that these surveillance cameras will be equipped with e-plate readers, helping enforcement offices detect drivers who break traffic rules such as red lights and double lines.

Tamper-proof e-plates will be sealed into the body of vehicles and will contain information on driver, chassis and engine number, and model.