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Jalan Genting Highlands will start testing its road charge system from 2 April
Visitors heading up to Genting Highlands next month will notice something new on the road, but for now, it won't cost you anything.
Lingkaran Cekap Sdn Bhd (LCSB), the authorised operator for Jalan Genting Highlands, will begin a trial run of its road charge system starting 2 April.
The test will take place at two entry points:
- Genting Sempah (main uphill access)
- Gohtong Jaya roundabout
No charges yet, but you still need to tap
During the trial period, drivers won't be charged, but there's still something you need to do. All vehicles must tap a Touch 'n Go card or use a debit/credit card at the gantries when passing through.
This is purely for testing, as the operator checks whether the system works smoothly before full implementation, according to Resorts World Genting.
So what exactly is this "road charge"?
This isn't being framed as a traditional highway toll.
Instead, it's a vehicle entry charge introduced by LCSB based on a "user pays" model, essentially, those using the road contribute to maintaining it.
The 24km stretch of Jalan Genting Highlands isn't just a normal road. It requires:
- Slope stabilisation
- Drainage management
- Landslide prevention
All of which come with rising costs due to terrain and weather conditions.
How the system will work (when it goes live)
Once fully rolled out (expected in the first half of 2026), the system will:
- One-time charge: Vehicles are charged once per entry (uphill only).
- Cashless only: The system accepts cashless payments only.
- LPR technology: Relies on Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) to detect and log vehicles automatically.
There will be nine lanes at Genting Sempah and eight lanes at Gohtong Jaya.
Motorcycles will initially be exempted, though the policy for larger-capacity bikes is still under review, reported the New Straits Times.
One of two road-charge stations being built in Jalan Genting Highlands.
Image via The EdgeHow much will it cost? Still not confirmed
This is the big question — and there's still no official answer.
Earlier speculation suggested around RM2.50 to RM5.00 per trip. But industry experts the New Straits Times spoke to say pricing will be key.
According to Savills Malaysia deputy managing director Khong Weng Tuck, it is hoped that "the rate will be below RM10 per trip so that all Malaysians can enjoy the Genting Hills, from an earlier, toll-free position".
He added that even at RM10–RM20, the impact on tourism is likely to be limited, though frequent commuters could feel the pinch over time.
Will this affect tourism? Probably not much
Despite concerns, experts don't expect a major drop in visitors.
Resorts World Genting and surrounding attractions continue to draw strong crowds, with 28.1 million visitors recorded in 2024.
Industry observers say:
- Casual visitors: Might cut down on spontaneous trips due to the added entry cost.
- Regular visitors and tour groups: Are unlikely to stop coming as the destination remains a primary attraction.
- Shift to alternatives: Some may choose the Awana Skyway cable car to avoid the road charge and potential congestion.
Bottom line
- Trial starts: 2 April 2026
- No payment required: Access is free for now during the testing phase.
- Card tapping: You still need to tap your card at gantries for system logging and LPR validation.
- Actual charges: Coming later; specific rates have not been confirmed yet.
For now, it won't hit your wallet, but this is the first step towards paid access to Genting Highlands.
