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Last updated 26 Aug 2003

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Also see: Cash Card Alert device

The New Paper - 18 May 2003

Cash Card device for careless bikers

HE has lost more than 30 CashCards since the Electronic Road-Pricing (ERP) system began in 1998.

Each one had been left in the in-vehicle unit (IU) of his motorbike, making it an easy target for thieves.

Fed up with being so careless, Mr Lim Chwee Khoon, 46, decided to take matters into his own hands. The bumboat operator moulded a few pieces of acrylic together, then added a buzzer and a circuit to it.

He ended up with a plastic cover similar to the ones found on the IU of motorbikes.

But there's a difference - his device beeps when the ignition is switched off.

Said Mr Lim: 'I've been using it for more than four years and I've not lost another CashCard. The beeping is loud enough to hear even when I'm wearing my helmet.'

Last year, Mr Lim refined the design and roped in his friend's son, Mr Kris Karthi, 30, to sell the device commercially.

A wire connects the device, known as the CashCard Reminder, to the motorbike's ignition switch and a green light comes on when a CashCard is inserted into the IU.

If the rider switches off the ignition without taking out the CashCard, a beep will sound until it is removed.

Although there have been previous such inventions, this appears to be the first time they are being sold to the public.

Motorcyclist Mr Kelvin Tang, 32, a sales representative, said he would consider fixing one on his three-year-old Yamaha bike: 'I've had at least three CashCards stolen in the past year. The latest theft happened last month and I had more than $30 in it.'

Mr Lim added that they have produced 5,000 sets of the device for sale at $24.95 each. It comes with a one-year warranty.

Depending on feedback from buyers, he might modify the device for use in cars.

'There have been a number of times when I've forgotten to insert my CashCard before driving past an ERP gantry,' said Mr Lim.

'Maybe I'll refine it to beep when the ignition is turned on.'

The Land Transport Authority has previously said that it welcomes such innovations and has no objection as long as they do not interfere with the operation of the ERP system.

Also see: Cash Card Alert device