KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 13 — Malaysia’s economy will bear the brunt of the fallout of toll hikes on both sides of the Causeway compared to Singapore, DAP lawmaker Liew Chin Tong predicted today after the island republic announced a rate increase from October 1.
The Johor MP warned that the 470 per cent increase will strain the pockets of small traders besides hitting Malaysia’s tourism and the Iskandar development region, which he said is heavily reliant on its closeness to Singapore for investments.
“The Iskandar Development Region, which is heavily relying on its proximity to Singapore for investments, is as good as gone.
“There will definitely be an impact on the national economy,” the Kluang MP said in a statement.
Liew pleaded with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to “show leadership” to resolve the bind he said “ordinary Malaysians” face in their daily crossover to the republic.
Despite protests by transport companies and frequent commuters of the Causeway, Malaysia raised the toll fees for cars leaving the country at its southern gateway last month with taxis paying RM8.20 for a round-trip while heavy good vehicles are charged RM33.30.
The Singaporean Land Authority announced yesterday it would match Malaysia prices on the oldest bridge linking the two countries that were once part of the same federation, adding that it would revise the rates if and when Malaysia does.
The two countries are also connected by another bridge known as the Second Link, and rates there remain unchanged.
