Malaysia to impose fee on foreign cars entering country

KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian government will be implementing a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fee for all foreign vehicles entering Johor, The Star newspaper reported yesterday.

The move comes just after Singapore announced earlier this month it was increasing the VEP for all foreign-registered cars entering the country.

Prime Minister Najib Razak said the decision had been made following a request from Johor, the newspaper reported. He said the Road Transport Department would now work out the details before the VEP is implemented.

The date and rate for the implementation of the permit would be announced at a later date, he added.

Singapore’s Land Transport Authority said on July 1 it was raising the VEP fee for foreign-registered cars entering Singapore from S$20 to S$35 a day effective from Aug 1. The Goods Vehicle Permit fee for foreign-registered goods vehicles will also be raised from S$10 to S$40 a month.

The move had raised an outcry among Malaysians who regularly commute to Singapore for work. United Malays National Organisation Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin had also been quoted saying the government should also start charging Singaporeans as they have enjoyed free entry into Malaysia despite Singapore’s stronger currency. Agencies