Foreign vehicles entering Johor would have to pay an entry fee

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak announced yesterday evening that foreign registered vehicles entering Johor would have to pay a vehicle entry fee. He revealed the decision came after a request from the state of Johor, which shares two land entry points with Singapore - Woodlands and Tuas.

Mr. Najib added that a federal agency will work out the date of implementation and the rates for the vehicle entry permits. According to The Straits Times, a portion of the fees collected would be channelled to the Johor government.

Earlier this month, Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) decided to raise the Vehicle Entry Permit and Goods Vehicle Permit for all foreign vehicles entering the city-state, a move that caused an uproar, especially among Johor residents who drive here for work, and business owner who regularly transport goods vehicles.

Malaysia's Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, on Tuesday, noted that Singaporeans are not charged any fees when they drive into Malaysia, while no action has been taken against those who do not settle their traffic summonses. As such Singapore should lower and not increase the entry fee.

With reference to Mr. Najib's announcement yesterday, it is believed the entry fees only applies to foreign registered vehicles entering Johor - giving an indication that those entering Malaysia from other neighbouring countries would not be charged the new fees.

Besides Singapore, Peninsular Malaysia shares a land border with Thailand in the north, while the state of Sarawak in the east shares its border with Brunei. Both Sarawak and Sabah also share borders with Indonesia's Kalimantan province.