Putrajaya should not introduce a vehicle entry permit (VEP) fee on vehicles coming into the country from Singapore, simply out of spite, because the republic raised its VEP charge on vehicles entering from Johor, says Johor DAP.

“I have never rejected the implementation of VEP, though I have stressed that this policy cannot be used as a way to avenge against the Singapore’s increase of VEP charge.

“The government should have a clear objective of improving the people’s living standards when implementing any policy, but not merely passive response to another country’s policy,” Johor DAP policy director Wong Shu Qi ( left ) said in a statement today.

Wong said such a policy should be taken as a way to reduce the number of vehicles and solve traffic congestion in Johor Bahru.

She added it should not be taken lightly as it would impact Johoreans, particularly those who drive across the causeway daily to work in Singapore.

Wong, who is also Senai assemblyperson, said the federal government should conduct research before the implementation of any policy and be able to offer alternatives in order to reduce negative impacts.

“As a people's representative in Johor, I am very disappointed because the Barisan Nasional government made the decision without having any dialogue or discussion with the people, and took the stance that will bring a negative impact to all,” Wong said.

Wong also invited Kluang Umno Youth chief Khairul Anwar Rahmat to a dialogue session concerning the VEP in Johor Bahru as the latter had reportedly slammed Wong for her stance as not caring about national interest.

Two weeks ago, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak announced that all foreign cars entering Malaysia through Johor will be required to obtain a VEP.

This follows Singapore’s announcement to raise its VEP charge from S$20 (RM51.34) to S$30 (RM89.85) on foreign vehicles entering from Malaysia, effective Aug 1.

A double blow

This is on top of a whopping 570 percent toll hike at the Johor Bahru Customs, Immigration and Quarantine centre (CIQ), the gateway into Singapore.

The Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) announced that the outbound toll charge at the CIQ for cars would be RM6.80 and inbound would be RM9.70, making the round trip cost RM16.50.

In contrast, inbound cars were only charged RM2.90 previously, while there was no outbound charge.

Singapore has threatened to match this hike on its side of the border.

Meanwhile, PKR's Bukit Batu assemblyperson Jimmy Puah announced a new movement to oppose the toll hike, which is seen as an attempt to make taxpayers foot the bill for the new RM1.4 billion Eastern Dispersal Link (EDL) which connects the CIQ with the North-South Expressway (NSE).

The movement, dubbed 'Tolak EDL 2.0', is aimed at calling for the suspension of the new toll rate which is to be implemented on Aug 1.

Najib, prior to the 13th general election, had promised that road users would not be charged for using the EDL, which was constructed by Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB).

In a statement today, Puah said formal protest letters have been submitted to the EDL concession holder, MRCB Lingkaran Selatan Sdn Bhd, the Works Ministry and the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) over the controversial toll hike.

The group also held its first protest opposing the hike at the CIQ today.