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S’pore ‘concerned’ over M’sia’s move to impose foreign vehicle fee

SINGAPORE — The Ministry of Transport (MOT) has contacted its Malaysian counterparts over Malaysia’s decision to impose an entry fee on foreign-registered vehicles, following concerns that the move is directed towards Singaporean vehicles, as it was reported that it would be levied only in Johor Baru.

SINGAPORE — The Ministry of Transport (MOT) has contacted its Malaysian counterparts over Malaysia’s decision to impose an entry fee on foreign-registered vehicles, following concerns that the move is directed towards Singaporean vehicles, as it was reported that it would be levied only in Johor Baru.

In a statement yesterday, the ministry said it had asked for details of the fee. “(The ministry) will consider its response after getting them,” a spokesman said.

Malaysia’s decision came after Singapore said earlier this month that the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fee for foreign-registered cars entering Singapore would be raised from S$20 to S$35 a day from Aug 1.

The Goods Vehicle Permit (GVP) fee for foreign-registered goods vehicles would be increased from S$10 to S$40 a month.

Yesterday, the MOT spokesman explained that Singapore’s fees are aimed at equalising the cost of owning and using foreign-registered vehicles on Singapore roads with that of Singapore-registered vehicles. In recent years, this cost difference has widened.

“The last time the VEP fee for cars was changed in 2004, it was lowered, largely because of the lower cost of (Certificates of Entitlement) during that period,” the spokesman said.

The MOT also noted that all foreign-registered cars and motorcycles would continue to enjoy VEP-free days and VEP-free hours at certain times, such as on weekends and public holidays.

About 13,000 foreign-registered cars enter Singapore daily.

Based on data last year, almost nine in ten foreign-registered cars will not be affected by the VEP fee increase as they enter and stay in Singapore on VEP-free days or during VEP-free hours, the spokesman said. CHANNEL NEWSASIA

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