SINGAPORE - A new entry fee for foreign-registered vehicles, which will be levied only on motorists entering Malaysia via Johor, "discriminates" against Singapore vehicles, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) said on Tuesday.
The ministry added that Singapore will consider "matching" the RM20 (S$7.16) fee - that will kick in on Oct 1 - in "some form", after the ministry has studied its implementation.
The MOT said in a press statement that it has also asked the Malaysian authorities for more details on a new policy requiring Singapore vehicles to pre-register before crossing the border.
"Such costs and inconveniences could discourage Singaporeans from going to Malaysia, in particular Johor, for leisure purposes such as shopping, entertainment, sight-seeing, holiday, etc," a spokesman noted.
From Sept 1, Singapore motorists must pre-register their vehicles with Malaysia's Road Transport Department (RTD), failing which they would be denied entry to Malaysia, said a report in the New Straits Times (NST).
Motorists will be given a radio frequency identification card, upon paying a RM10 (S$3.58) road charge valid for five years. This will have to be renewed upon expiry, or when motorists change their vehicles.
"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," Malaysia's Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Aziz Kaprawi was quoted as saying in the NST on Saturday.
Online registration is expected to open on Aug 15.
Once registered, Singapore vehicles will be allowed through Johor checkpoints for a one-month free trial from Sept 1 to 30. From Oct 1 onwards, Singapore-registered cars will be charged the RM20 per entry fee.
The pre-registration applies for all private vehicles, public buses, taxis, goods vehicles as well as diplomatic cars, a report in The Star said.
Payment for the RM20 entry free will be via the Touch n' Go card, and will be imposed on private passenger vehicles, including multi-purpose and sports utility vehicles, the report added.
