NUSAJAYA, Aug 5 — Toll collection was introduced at the Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex (CIQ) for vehicles to Singapore after a study on the matter was carried out for more than two years, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar.
He said the toll collection should have started in May 2012 but was not implemented because the government was mulling taking over the Eastern Dispersal Link (EDL).
“The government’s aspiration to take over EDL, construction of which was completed in April 2012, did not materialise due to the huge costs involved.
After discussions and studies conducted for more than two years including with the concessionaire, the government was of the opinion that it was quite difficult to take over the EDL and due to this reason we implemented toll,” he said.
He said this to reporters after holding a meeting and dialogue session in connection with the 11th Malaysia Plan (RMK-11) with the state government of Johor here today.
According to Abdul Wahid, the appropriateness of collecting toll, among others, was also to ensure the 8.1km EDL, CIQ and surrounding roads were well maintained.
He said the EDL was seen as successful in reducing heavy congestion and simultaneously smoothening traffic flow, especially along Jalan Tebrau, Jalan Pasir Pelangi and several major roads around the city.
The government recently announced the introduction of the new toll for vehicles entering Singapore and implemented the new rates for vehicles entering Malaysia effective Aug 1.
The toll rate into Malaysia for vehicles from class 1 to 5 is RM9.70; RM14.70; RM19.70, RM4.80 and RM7.80 respectively while the outgoing rates are RM6.80; RM10.20; RM13.60; RM3.40 and RM5.50.
The toll collected at the CIQ is only imposed on vehicles entering and exiting via the CIQ and users of EDL not entering the republic, who are mostly residents of Johor Baharu, need not pay toll. — Bernama
