From mid-July, Malaysia will begin charging a RM20 ($6.70) fee on Singapore-registered cars and foreign vehicles entering Johor under its Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) system, the New Straits Times newspaper reported on Wednesday, June 8^th.

The VEP system had been activated at the two land entry points in Johor at the Causeway and at the Second Link since June 1^st, although motorists were not charged the RM20 levy as the authorities were conducting a test run until July 15^th. Foreign motorists would only start to pay the RM20 road charge beginning July 16^th, the newspaper reported.

Malaysia has repeatedly delayed implementing its levy, which was supposed to have taken effect on Aug 1^st last year, due to technical issues. The levy can be paid only with a Touch 'n Go card, a cash card that motorists use to pay toll fees on all Malaysian expressways.

"The VEP system has been activated since June 1 and we have seen motorists from the neighbouring country giving their full cooperation and following the procedure," said State Public Works, Rural and Regional Development Committee Chairman Datuk Hasni Mohammad. "The postponement in the RM20 VEP road charge is to ensure that the system would run smoothly," he added.

So far, about 120,000 Singaporean vehicles have registered under the VEP, according to Mr. Hasni. He added that he was confident about the VEP system and its equipment.