Singapore's decision to increase toll charges its prerogative

Singapore's decision to charge foreign registered vehicles a new entry toll, as well as increase the current toll for vehicles leaving the country is entirely the prerogative of the Singapore Government.

In a statement here Saturday, Works Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusof said Singapore as a sovereign state was entitled to make its own policy.

"Singapore is a sovereign state and is entitled to make its own policy decisions which they deem correct," he said, adding the price at the Causeway remained at RM2.90.

Singapore's toll charges from Oct 1, for all vehicles (except motorcycles) leaving the republic through the causeway will be increased to match the new Malaysian toll.

A statement by its Land Transport Authority (LTA) yesterday said Singapore had a long-standing policy of matching its toll charges on the Causeway and Second Link to those set by Malaysia.

LTA said a revamped toll rate would also be implemented for all vehicles (except motorcycles) entering Singapore, and there would be no changes to the toll charges at the Second Link.

Meanwhile, Fadillah said the toll imposed by Malaysia at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) was for infrastructure and facilities provided and maintained by the concessionaire, being used by commuters.

"However, no toll charge is levied on the motorcyclist," he added.

He said the CIQ, BSI served as a one-stop centre and all operations were performed at a single point to avoid traffic congestion.

The Eastern Dispersal Link which connects from Pandan Interchange to CIQ, BSI was built to help disperse traffic in Johor Baharu and provide direct access from the PLUS highway to CIQ, BSI, added the minister.

However, Fadillah said Malaysia would continue to encourage commuters travelling daily to and from Singapore to use public transportation.