JOHOR BARU: The soon-to-be implemented Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) on Singapore-registered cars entering the country from the Causeway and Second Link Crossing would not have much impact on the Johor economy.
Johor South SME Association founding president Teh Kee Sin said the extra charges are unlikely to stop Singaporeans from coming here to shop, dine and for leisure.
He said that the charge of RM20 (S$7) per vehicle is still cheap for Singaporeans in view of the current exchange rate.
“Singaporeans will still come as Malaysia offers good value for money,” he said.
However, Teh wants the Malaysia and Singapore governments to consider scrapping the entry charges, which he deemed unnecessary.
He noted that Singapore’s status as an international financial and trade centre could complement growth in Iskandar Malaysia and the republic is also reliant on a Malaysian workforce.
Johor Indian Business Association president P. Sivakumar concurred with Teh, saying the new VEP was unlikely to deter Singaporeans from entering as many also own properties here.
“However, we are keeping tabs on the short-term impact of VEP,” he said, adding Malaysia should emulate Singapore by offering a number of free entry days including on weekends.
The Singapore Land Transport Authority charges foreign-registered cars S$35 (RM105) per day and motorcyclists S$4 (RM12) while the Goods Vehicle Permit fee for foreign-registered goods vehicles stands at S$40 (RM120) per month.
The island republic also exempts VEP during weekends and between 5pm and 2am from Monday to Friday as well as Singapore public holidays. – TheStar
