Toll Charge on Singapore Cars Using Malaysia's Eastern Dispersal Link

Dr Janil Puthucheary asked the Minister for Transport whether the Malaysian Government has confirmed to the Singapore Government of reported plans by Malaysia to introduce a toll on the Eastern Dispersal Link by imposing it only on Singapore-registered cars at the Causeway.

Mr Lui Tuck Yew: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Malaysian media earlier reported that Malaysia is looking at the option of charging tolls only on Singapore-registered cars to recover the costs of constructing the new Eastern Dispersal Link (EDL), with tolls to be imposed – not at the EDL itself, but at the Causeway, regardless of whether the Singapore-registered cars actually use the EDL or not. Other media reports have indicated that the Malaysian government has opted to impose a levy on foreign vehicles instead of a toll, so as to avoid having to charge Malaysian vehicles, while arguing that Singapore has similarly imposed Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fees on foreign cars. I appreciate that several Members are concerned by such news for Singaporeans, especially those who need to travel across the Causeway frequently for work or other activities.

We have checked with the Malaysian government. They are aware of the public reactions so far, and they have informed us that no decision has yet been taken on the various proposals to charge tolls or levies for the EDL. They are still exploring their options.

Our consistent practice is that we peg our tolls to match those set by Malaysia. This should apply to all vehicles using the Causeway or the Second Link, regardless of whether they are Singapore-registered or foreign-registered. Depending on the eventual details of Malaysia's proposal, we will then see how best we should apply this matching principle.

As for Singapore's Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) scheme, fees are imposed on foreign cars and motorcycles entering Singapore in order to equalise their ownership costs with the higher levels paid by Singapore-registered cars and motorcycles. This policy does not discriminate against foreign vehicles' usage of our roads, which would, in itself, be unfair.

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