Singapore will match any Causeway toll charge: LTA; tolls reported to be triple current price

It says it is govt practice to peg such fees to those set by Malaysia

If the reports are true, drivers of private vehicles going from Singapore to Malaysia via the Causeway would soon have to pay a toll of RM9.70 (S$3.80), more than thrice the RM2.90 now. -- ST GRAPHICS: MIKE DIZON
If the reports are true, drivers of private vehicles going from Singapore to Malaysia via the Causeway would soon have to pay a toll of RM9.70 (S$3.80), more than thrice the RM2.90 now. -- ST GRAPHICS: MIKE DIZON

If Malaysia increases or introduces new tolls at the Causeway, the Singapore Government will follow suit, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said yesterday, in response to reports that Malaysia is raising charges.

It has been reported that Malaysia's Works Ministry will increase toll charges for all vehicles except motorcycles entering Johor from Singapore via the Johor Baru Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex at the Causeway.

Reports also added that Malaysia will impose a new Causeway toll for all outbound vehicles entering Singapore from Johor.

The two changes will reportedly kick in on Friday.

The Singapore Government has not received "any communication" from the Malaysian authorities on the toll changes but has asked them for "official confirmation" of the media reports, said the LTA.

"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," said the LTA in response to media queries.

It has been the Singapore Government's practice to peg tolls at the Causeway and the Second Link to those set by Malaysia, according to the currency exchange rate, it added.

If the reports are true, drivers of private vehicles going from Singapore to Malaysia via the Causeway would soon have to pay a toll of RM9.70 (S$3.80), more than thrice the RM2.90 now.

Currently, drivers pay RM2.90 to the Malaysian authorities and $1.20 to those in Singapore when they enter Johor from Singapore via the Causeway in Woodlands. But drivers do not have to pay any toll when they go in the other direction and enter Singapore from Johor via the Causeway.

But starting on Friday, drivers will reportedly have to pay a new toll of RM6.80 to enter Singapore from Johor.

In addition, buses will have to pay RM13.30 per two-way trip while taxis will be charged RM8.20 per round trip.

Separately, Malaysia had announced earlier this month that all Singapore-registered vehicles entering Johor will have to pay a proposed entry fee of RM50.

The LTA said it has contacted the Malaysian government for details on this, and is waiting for its reply before responding.

Malaysia's proposed entry fee came after the LTA said it will raise the vehicle entry permit and goods vehicle permit fees for foreign-registered vehicles coming into Singapore.

From Friday, 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.

Singapore's Ministry of Transport said earlier that the increase in fees was to "equalise" the cost of owning and using foreign-registered vehicles on Singapore roads with that for Singapore-registered vehicles.

leepearl@sph.com.sg

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