Malaysia studying proposal for foreign vehicle entry fee

The Straits Times reported that Malaysia is considering a proposal to impose a border charge on foreign vehicles entering Johor, just days after Singapore said it would be raising its foreign vehicle entry permit fees from 1^st August.

The Singapore move created an uproar among some Johor businesses, such as lorry operators, and residents who travel to Singapore to work every day.

According to the Malaysian government, 206,136 Malaysians and Malaysian permanent residents passed through the Causeway and Second Link daily last year.

Johor Sand and Granite Lorry Operators Association President Chia Jee Onn said the higher fee, which will drive up operating costs, will hurt lorry operators as they usually own up to 50 lorries.

Mr. Chia was quoted by Malaysia's Berita Harian as saying, "We understand if Singapore is doing this to ease the congestion at Woodlands. But if the levy hike is imposed solely in the interests of the Singaporean Government, then it is being unfair to us."

Kluang MP Liew Chin Tong said imposing higher border charges on both sides does not solve the problem. He added that there are trade-offs to consider, such as potentially less tourist dollars for Malaysia and a heavier financial burden on Malaysians who work in Singapore.

"While it is the prerogative of the Malaysian and Singaporean governments to impose charges, the key issue is to make it convenient for commuters without imposing a financial burden. Both governments should negotiate on how to ease such hassles on both sides," Mr. Liew told The Straits Times yesterday.