Updated.
This is not the VEP but are new toll charges for all vehicles using the Eastern Dispersal Link (EDL) via the Customs Immigration & Quarantine Complex (Bangunan Sultan Iskandar) which will be implemented Aug 1.
The new ruling will make it more costly to use the Causeway compared to the Second Link Expressway.
Apologies for the confusion. Another blur moment .....
Original post
While I was feeling warm and fuzzy unwrapping this lovely gift from a friend just now, another friend who works in a property development company in Johor Bahru was getting worried.
She said Singaporeans or those with Permanent Resident status staying in Johor who work in Singapore will need to pay around RM100 come Aug 1 when Malaysia implements the Vehicle Entry Permit fee on Singapore-registered cars entering Johor.
Singapore Vehicle Entry Permit. S$35 (RM91)
Singapore Toll $1.20 (RM3.12)
based on SGD1 = RM2.60
Inbound and outbound total RM16.50
Total RM110.62
The above is for those who drive a car. Buses, taxis and 6-wheelers will have different rates.
Some, like my friend who is in the property development sector, are worried about the VEP while others, like the tourism industry, for instance, doesn't share this sentiment. Some traders along Jalan Segget in Johor Bahru that I recently talked to also gave polarizing views on the VEP and how it will affect their business.
From my point of view, the workers who are traveling (by car) daily to Singapore to work are the ones who are most effected. It is just like a big portion of your salary being snatched away!
ReplyDeleteThey might:
1. Continue to drive in (if they are lucky to be earning enough to cover the expenses,)
2. Switch to motorcycle. This will increase the traffic congestion for motorcycle lanes
3. Move in to Singapore, but face a higher living cost such as very high rentals
4. Move back to Malaysia (and accept a hefty pay cut).
As for businesses, I am not really worried about that as I am sure that tourists will not mind a little more, once in a while, for a holiday.
As for the property sector, I am also not really worried about that. Investors will always have enough money to pay for all these extra costs. Furthermore, if our property sector could be seriously effected by this, then it means that our developments are relaying too much on Singaporeans, which, to me, is not healthy. Our property sector should be "self sustainable".
Thanks Gladys. I agree with you.
ReplyDelete