Singapore’s Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) on transport has threatened to increase the toll for Malaysian cars going to the republic should the Malaysian government raise the toll of new Eastern Dispersal Link (EDL) only for Singapore-registered cars.

According to the republic’s TV station Channel News Asia ,  Cedric Foo, a MP who chairs the GPC said it would be illogical if Malaysia goes ahead with the move.

eastern dispersal link edl toll rates 040312 “The way forward is to free up the impediments between travel between the two states rather than build up more impediments. So, I think this would negate investor-confidence,” he was quoted as saying.

Foo said if Malaysia raises the toll just for Singapore-registered cars, then it would be justifiable for Singapore to do the same for Malaysian cars, so there is equitable treatment.

He was responding to an exclusive report by the China Press daily last week that quoted a source saying that only Singapore-registered cars heading to Johor Baru via the Causeway may have to pay for using the EDL.

On the other hand, Malaysian-registered cars entering and leaving Singapore may use the EDL for free.

The daily reported that the Johor and federal government came up with the “win-win solution” after an in-depth study, which would allow the highway developer to recover costs and benefit Johor Bahru residents.

Once the solution is finalised, it will be announced by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

It was earlier reported that Malaysians and Singaporeans who use the EDL daily would have to pay RM15.30 at the toll booth in the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex.

Najib gave in to protests

It was proposed that toll be imposed also on motorists who enter the CIQ although they do not use the EDL. This raised complaints from road users in the state.

NONE Facing growing protest from various quarters, including both the ruling and opposition parties, Najib ( left ) announced on March 9 that motorists who do not use the EDL will not be required to pay toll.

“Those who do not use the EDL should not be required to pay toll. We will resolve this issue. Do not worry, we are hearing the people’s grievances,” Najib said at a 1Malaysia dinner in Johor Baru.

He added an announcement would be made in two weeks after several technical issues have been resolved. However, after almost three weeks the government has not resolved the issues.

Currently, drivers from both countries pay a one-way toll when driving from Singapore to Malaysia. Cars pay S$1.20 at the Singapore complex and RM2.90 at the Malaysian complex.

Comprising a 4.4-km elevated stretch, EDL is a 8.1-km new highway linking the Johor Baru CIQ to the North-South Expressway via the Pandan interchange to disperse traffic from the main trunk road at Jalan Tebrau, which is one of the most congested roads in the state.

The new highway costs about RM1 billion and MRCB, an Umno-linked company, has been given a 34-year concession.

It was scheduled to open on March 1, 2012, but has not been officially opened to traffic until now due to uncertainties surrounding the toll rates.