JOHOR BARU - Malaysia has said that it would be expected to start levying a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) for foreign vehicles entering Malaysia from Singapore on Aug 1, Bernama has reported.

"This is the first time Malaysia is implementing the charge and definitely it will take time in terms of procuring and installing the equipment," Bernama quoted Malaysian Deputy Transport Minister Abd Aziz Kaprawi as saying on Saturday.

He added that the equipment, to be installed at both the Woodlands Causeway and Tuas Second Link, would facilitate the charging of the RM20 (S$7.40) VEP.

Datuk Abd Aziz also said the VEP on foreign vehicles crossing the border to Malaysia via other checkpoints, such as those at the Thailand border, would be the same, reported Bernama.

He added that his ministry would discuss fare increases for express buses with the Land Public Transport Commission, according to Bernama.

Responding to the changes, a spokesman for Singapore's Transport Ministry said: ""We will study the Malaysian levy and consider matching in some form after the details are confirmed."