Singapore will match M’sia’s new Causeway toll, increase in toll charges: LTA

(TodayOnline) – If Malaysia introduces a new Causeway toll or raises toll charges, Singapore will “match the new toll and increase in toll charges in due course”, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said today (July 28).

Noting that the Government “has not received any communication” from Malaysian authorities on these measures, an LTA spokesperson said the Singapore Government has sought from Malaysian authorities official confirmation of media reports about changes to the Causeway toll from Aug 1.

The spokesperson said that “it has been the Singapore Government’s practice to peg Singapore’s tolls to match those set by Malaysia at the Causeway and the Second Link”.

Earlier media reports said that Malaysia’s Works Ministry announced a revision in toll charges for all vehicles, except motorcycles, passing through the Johor Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex to and fro Singapore and Johor Baru from Aug 1.

Currently, private cars entering Johor from Singapore only pay a one-way charge of RM2.90 (S$1.13). The increased rates will see cars paying a total of RM16.50 for a day trip to Singapore and back. Taxis will have to pay a total of RM8.20 for a two-way trip, up from RM1.40, while buses will have to pay a total of RM13.30 for a two-way trip, up from RM2.30.

The move to revise the toll rate comes fresh on the heels of Malaysia’s plans to introduce a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fee for all foreign-registered vehicles entering Johor.

On the proposed VEP, the LTA spokesperson said Singapore had earlier contacted the Malaysian Government to seek details, and is “awaiting Malaysia’s reply before deciding on our response”.