Massive toll rate hike for Causeway users from Aug 1, including Singapore-bound vehicles

JOHOR BARU: Toll rates for the Johor Causeway will increase by more than three times the current amount from Aug 1, and Singapore-bound vehicles will now have to pay toll when they did not have to before.

In a statement, Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) director-general Datuk Ismail Mohd Salleh announced a major increase in toll rates to be imposed on all vehicles passing through the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex, beginning Aug 1.

Additionally, Singapore-bound vehicles will now have to pay toll, which was previously only levied on vehicles headed into Malaysia.

He also said that all charges will be implemented electronically at both sides using the Touch 'n' Go card, with cash payments no longer possible.

A dedicated Touch 'n' Go lane will be manned around-the-clock to cater for motorists who do not have the card.

Toll rates for cars will be revised upwards from RM2.90 to RM9.70 (inbound) and RM6.80 imposed on outbound vehicles.

Inbound Class Two vehicles will now be levied RM4.50 (up from RM14.70) and RM10.20 for Singapore-bound vehicles. (See graphic for complete list)

Ismail added that the revised rates were appropriate given the facilities and services enjoyed by users that travelled to the complex using the Eastern Dispersal Link (EDL).

The EDL is an elevated highway built to help disperse traffic heading into the Johor Baru city area.

There are several exits from the EDL, with the last leading directly into the CIQ complex.

Ismail stressed that motorists using the 8.1km elevated highway would not be tolled if they do not go through the CIQ complex.

However, all Causeway users have no choice but to pay the toll.

No explanation was provided for the sudden hike, and LLM officials declined to comment when contacted.