The customs checkpoint for vehicles in Johor Bahru. Image: ST File
News of a toll hike at the Johor Bahru Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex (CIQ) have upset many commuters especially those who live in Johor and travel daily to Singapore for work.
The Malaysian government has said that it will review the plan which is supposed to kick in on August 1.
Here are some frequently asked questions:
1. When did this series of toll announcements start?
On July 1, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced that it would raise the vehicle entry permit and goods vehicle permit fees for foreign-registered vehicles coming into Singapore.
From August 1, drivers of foreign-registered cars will have to pay $35 for a daily permit, up from $20. Drivers of goods vehicles will pay $40 for a monthly permit, four times the $10 now.
A few days later, Malaysia said it would impose a vehicle entry permit (VEP) fee on Singapore-registered vehicles entering Malaysia via Johor Baru. This fee, reportedly to be at RM50 ($19.50), is said to be implemented by the year end, although the details are still under discussion.
Then on July 18, Malaysia announced a revision in toll charges for all vehicles, except motorcycles, passing through the Johor checkpoint, with effect from August 1.
2. What are the current and new charges?
Source: Malaysian Highway Authority, ST Graphics: Derrick Ho, compiled by Ling Chang Hong
3. How do motorists pay the tolls?
The tolls will be charged via Touch ‘n Go electronic payment cards only.
4. What is the reason for the toll hike?
According to the Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA), the charges will be used for the maintenance of the Eastern Dispersal Link (EDL) and other CIQ facilities.
5. What is Eastern Dispersal Link (EDL)?
It is an 8.1km elevated highway (as shown on the map below) and is the main entry point into the CIQ for those commuting to and from Singapore. It is constructed and maintained by concessionaire Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd.
6. Will all EDL users be affected by the revised toll?
Only those who drive in and out of the CIQ will be affected. Motorists using EDL to enter Johor Baru city centre, the North-South Highway, Permas Jaya or Pasir Gudang will not be affected.
At least 180,000 vehicles or about 80 per cent of EDL users will not have to pay the toll as they can exit at various points without having to go through the CIQ, according to MHA.
7. What is Singapore Government’s response to the new tolls?
The LTA has said that it will match the new toll charges as it is Singapore’s longstanding position of matching whatever toll rates Malaysia sets.
This article was first run in The Straits Times newspaper on July 31, 2014. For similar stories, go to sph.straitstimes.com/premium/singapore. You will not be able to access the Premium section of The Straits Times website unless you are already a subscriber.
