Malaysian lorries bound for Singapore will no longer pay levy by 2010.
KUALA LUMPUR - THE levy imposed on local land transport operators for entering and leaving Singapore will be abolished by 2010.
Malaysian Transport Minister Ong Tee Keat said the abolition of the levy would result in a loss of about RM143million annual revenue to the Government.
However, lorry operators hailed the move, saying it would increase trade all around.
Mr Ong said at present, local transporters were charged (by Malaysia) RM100 per trip when they leave the country before entering Singapore.
'If they return laden with goods they will be charged another RM100,' he said after officiating the state-level World Heart and Diabetes Day on Sunday.
He said Malaysia, as an Asean member, would have to abide by an inter-state transport agreement signed during the recent Asean Transport Ministers' (ATM) meeting in Manila on Nov 6. -- THE STAR
