SINGAPORE: Motorists who drive Singapore-registered
vehicles may have to pay higher toll charges in future when going
into Johor Bahru.
Reports have said Malaysian authorities may be
passing the cost of building the Eastern Dispersal Link, to
Singapore-registered vehicles.
This is even if the motorists do not use the new
highway.
The increased tolls may not apply to Malaysia-registered
vehicles.
The Eastern Dispersal Link is expected to improve accessibility in
Johor Bahru and perhaps boost tourism in the area.
But controversy has surrounded the project due to uncertainty over
toll rates.
Singapore's Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) on Transport
said it would be illogical if Malaysia goes ahead with the
move.
GPC chair for Transport Cedric Foo said: "The way forward is to
free up the impediments between travel, for travel between the two
states, rather than build up more impediments. So I think this
would negate investor-confidence."
Mr Foo said if Malaysia raises tolls just for Singapore-registered
cars, then it would be justifiable for Singapore to do the same for
Malaysian cars, so there is equitable treatment.
- CNA/wk
