BATU PAHAT - Malaysia's Road Transport Department (RTD) expects between 200,000 and 300,000 Singapore-registered private vehicles to register for the road charge by the end of the year.

The Star Online quoted Transport Ministry's Secretary-General Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Bakar as saying on Saturday (Sept 5) that so far about 50,000 Singapore-registered vehicles had registered for the road charge since the online registration started on Aug 15.

The mandatory registration applies to all private vehicles, public buses, taxis, goods vehicles and diplomatic cars. Vehicle owners are required to pay RM10 (S$3.30) for the road charge, which is valid for five years.

New Straits Times reported last month that Singaporeans can also register their vehicles at the Causeway and Second Link.

"Singaporeans can register their vehicles at all the 72 counters in both the Causeway and Second Link as well as R&R areas near the two main entry points. However, we encourage online registration through the RTD website," Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Aziz Kaprawi was quoted as saying.

"RTD will then issue a radio frequency identification (RFID) card after a RM10 registration fee is paid. The registration is valid for five years. The tag will need to be renewed upon expiry, or when the owner buys a new car," he added.

Singapore-registered vehicles that fail to register for the road charge will not be allowed to enter Malaysia via the Causeway in Johor Baru and the Second Link Crossing in Tanjung Kupang, Gelang Patah.

On the RM20 Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP), The Star Online quoted the transport secretary-general as saying that athough it would not apply to public buses, motorcycles, taxis and government vehicles, they would still need to register with the RTD.

On whether the VEP would kick off on Oct 1, after it was delayed on Aug 1, Dr Ismail declined to comment.

"I can't comment on that issue, the Government will make the announcement whether or not it will be implemented next month, " he said.