LTA: Singapore will match any Causeway toll change by Malaysia

[SINGAPORE] Singapore could introduce a new Causeway toll and raise current toll charges too, if reports that Malaysia intends to do so are true, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said yesterday.

LTA was responding to media queries over reports that Malaysia's Works Ministry will raise toll charges for all vehicles, except motorcycles, passing through the Johor Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex from Singapore to Johor Baru, and collect a new toll from vehicles travelling in the opposite direction, from this Friday.

"It has been the Singapore Government's practice to peg Singapore's tolls to match those set by Malaysia at the Causeway and the Second Link. If there is indeed a new toll, or an increase in toll charges, at the Causeway, the Singapore Government will match the new toll and increase in toll charges in due course," the LTA spokesman said.

The spokesman added that the Singapore government has not yet heard from the Malaysian authorities about this new toll or increase in toll charges, and has asked for official confirmation of the changes from the Malaysian government.

Currently, private cars entering Johor from Singapore pay a one-way charge of RM2.90 (S$1.13). There is no charge for cars crossing over from Johor to Singapore.

Reports over the weekend said that Malaysia intends to collect a two-way toll from Aug 1.

Cars passing through the CIQ would have to pay a total of RM16.50 for a day trip to Singapore or Johor and back. A fee of RM9.70 will be charged while entering Johor and an extra RM6.80 will be charged on the way out. Buses will have to pay RM13.30 per two-way trip while taxis will be charged RM8.20.

These changes follow Malaysia's announcement earlier this month of a new entry fee on foreign-registered vehicles entering Johor. That came shortly after Singapore said on July 1 that it would raise the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) and Goods Vehicle Permit (GVP) fees for foreign-registered vehicles entering Singapore.

Singapore's Ministry of Transport has said that its VEP and GVP fees are not discriminatory and are there to "equalise" the cost of owning and using foreign-registered vehicles on Singapore's roads with that of vehicles registered here.

Malaysia has not said when it will roll out the entry levy and how much it will be. LTA said yesterday that Singapore has contacted the Malaysian authorities on this matter as well, and is awaiting a reply before deciding its response.