JOHOR BARU: The waiver of the road charge (RC) and toll fare for a week following the border reopening will encourage more Singaporeans to visit Malaysia, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       The Transport Minister said the waiver also provides convenience to Malaysians working in Singapore, who have been unable to return home to their families for the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic border closure.

       "The high incoming traffic from across the border will bring positive growth to the economy, especially Johor where businesses are set to enjoy more vibrancy," he said after visiting Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar near the SecondLink with Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and other exco members on Wednesday (March 30).

       During the visit, they also inspected the complex facilities ahead of the reopening of the Malaysia-Singapore border on April 1.

       Dr Wee said the Johor government was expecting the traffic volume to increase significantly starting April 1 and the economic spillover would be felt by those living near the Causeway and SecondLink.

       He added that the Mentri Besar also said that 2,700 personnel would be working 24/7 at the customs, inspection and quarantine complexes at both entry points.

       "I advise the 125,790 Singapore-registered vehicles that have signed up for the vehicle entry permit (VEP) but have yet to install their RFID VEP tag due to the pandemic, to make full use of this waiver period (April 1 to 7).

       "This will ensure even smoother traffic flow after the RC and toll fare exemption period ends after April 7," he said, adding that 65,473 vehicle units have installed the RFID VEP tag so far.

       Dr Wee announced recently that the RM20 RC would be waived for Singapore-registered private vehicles entering Malaysia from April 1 until April 7.

       On Tuesday (March 29), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob also announced the waiver of the toll fare at both the Causeway and SecondLink for the same period.