26/09/2025

LYFE FRIDAY | SEPT 26, 2025

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Seamless renewals for travel pass T OUCH ’n Go Sdn Bhd (Touch ’n Go) is powering Malaysia’s shift to digital-first commuting by o More commuters skipping counter queues by opting for digital route

making the Travel Pass My50 (My50) easier to purchase and renew through the use of a NFC-enabled Touch ’n Go Enhanced Card and the Touch ’n Go e-wallet app. Since the feature went live on July 1, nearly one in three renewals (28.26%) have already been completed digitally, eliminating queues at counters and giving commuters a faster, more convenient way to travel. With more than 220,000 commuters relying on the My50 every month, this adoption milestone highlights Malaysia’s growing preference for seamless mobility solutions. Commuters can conveniently purchase or renew their My50 directly with their Touch ’n Go e-wallet and link it to the enhanced Touch ’n Go Card via the NFC function on their mobile phones within seconds, anytime, anywhere. They can choose from a wide range of NFC-enabled card and charm designs, allowing for personalisation according to individual style, while being assured that all transactions are safe and secure via the Touch ’n Go e-wallet. Commuters can also purchase the My50 in advance via their Touch ’n Go e-wallet, and schedule its activation for up to 30 days from the date of purchase. “We are proud to see Malaysians choosing to purchase passes digitally as their preferred way to continue using the My50, enabled through our Touch ’n Go Enhanced Cards and the Touch ’n Go e-wallet. “This achievement underscores our commitment to deliver smarter mobility payment solutions that save time, reduce hassle and enhance everyday transit,” said Touch ’n Go Sdn Bhd CEO Praba Sangarajoo. DIGITAL travel platform Agoda is spotlighting the growing appeal of secondary destinations this World Tourism Day. As the host country for World Tourism Day 2025, Malaysia is seeing secondary destinations gain momentum. Its data showed searches for these hidden gems have risen 22% compared with the same period in 2023. This reflects a broader trend as travellers increasingly seek unique

The KOI × Touch ’n Go Merdeka Limited Edition Charm, with the same NFC reload capability as the Touch ’n Go Enhanced Card, supports toll, parking, transit and My50 Travel Pass renewals.

At Touch ’n Go’s on-ground activation, a promoter demonstrates how commuters can renew the My50 Travel Pass digitally while showcasing the NFC-enabled Extendable Charm, available online through Touch ’n Go Shop.

Beyond the My50, more travel passes will be made available digitally in the near future, further expanding convenience for commuters with seamless purchases through the Touch ’n Go e-wallet. To bring the experience closer to commuters, Touch ’n Go has introduced light on-ground engagements at key transit hubs, including KL Sentral and other high-volume LRT/MRT stations across the Klang Valley.

Fronted by the company’s Dynamic Duo mascots and on-site guides, these touchpoints demonstrate how digital renewals work in a few simple steps and encourage more commuters to make the switch. In the spirit of national pride and celebrating what it means to be Malaysian, Touch ’n Go is also highlighting local creativity through special releases. The Touch ’n Go × Wan Jepah Studio Merdeka Limited Edition Card, created with local

artist Wan Jepah Studio, features illustrations of Malaysian food, music, games and landmarks framed by traditional motifs. Complementing this is the KOI × Touch ’n Go Charm (Merdeka Edition), a limited-edition NFC charm with a Merdeka-inspired design developed with KOI The Malaysia, offering commuters a collectible way to enjoy seamless convenience, including My50 renewals via the Touch ’n Go e-wallet.

The Touch ‘n Go × Wan Jepah Studio Merdeka Limited Edition Card features local artistry that showcases Malaysia’s culture, unity and everyday life.

Secondary destinations in Malaysia see rising interest from tourists experiences, with interest in lesser-known locales in Malaysia even outpacing traditional hotspots by three percentage points.This shift aligns with the government’s push to spotlight hidden gems and enhance regional tourism. As part of preparations for Visit Malaysia 2026, Malaysia is creating special investment zones in secondary destinations to improve infrastructure and promote

The Kuching city skyline from DBKU Sarawak. – 123RFPIC

sustainable practices. Under the 13th Malaysia Plan, 43 areas have been identified as potential candidates for these zones, supporting economic growth and tourism development in emerging destinations. As a digital travel platform, it plays a key role in promoting Malaysia’s secondary cities by

enabling properties in rural areas to transition to digital platforms, increasing their visibility and accessibility. By partnering with destination management organisations, it leverages its extensive data insights and marketing channels to highlight lower-profile destinations. Its CEO Omri Morgenshtern

shared: “The increasing popularity of secondary destinations provides an opportunity to create a more prosperous travel industry and boost local economies.” In celebration of World Tourism Day, it is holding a sale until Oct 8. It offers up to 60% off hotel bookings, with special flash sales tomorrow and Oct 6 offering up to 70% off.

Datuk Kong Temple, Redang Island. – VERONICA ELANKOVAN/THESUN