JOHOR BARU: The opposition pact, in particular Johor DAP, has come under fire for objecting to the implementation of new toll rates at the Sultan Iskandar Building’s Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex.
Several political parties questioned the motive behind the move by the state DAP, which was allegedly to protect the interests of Malaysians working in Singapore and Singaporean motorists.
Johor Umno Youth chief Hahasrin Hashim said the opposition’s claim that it was championing the rights of Johor people was questionable.
He said Johor DAP was seen as siding with Singaporean interests, as the Singaporeans had been enjoying the facilities and subsidies when they crossed into the state.
Hahasrin said the implementation of the new toll rates was only fair and the government had to look into various aspects to benefit the people in the long run.
“The question is: are they (the opposition) championing the rights of Malaysians or Singaporeans?
“Singapore imposes the highest charges, including its Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) on Malaysian motorists.
“However, when the Malaysian government wants to start charging them, the opposition makes noise.”
On Wednesday, the Johor opposition pact had urged the government to review the new toll structure at the CIQ, claiming it was a burden to the people.
State opposition chief Dr Boo Cheng Hau had said the toll increase should go through a discussion process and should be studied in detail before its implementation.
Meanwhile, Johor Tourism, Domestic Trade and Consumerism Committee chairman Datuk Tee Siew Kiong urged the opposition pact to give priority to the needs of Johor people.
Tee, who is also Johor MCA deputy chief, said he believed the issue could be solved amicably, but priority should be given to the long-term benefits of the people.
Johor Baru Registered Taxi Association (GA-PET) president Raja Mohd Nor Mohamad said the government had already clarified that the new toll charges were only for those entering and exiting Singapore via the CIQ.
“The toll collection revenue will be used to upgrade and maintain the facilities at the CIQ, as well as to maintain the Eastern Dispersal Link (EDL), which is one of free major highways in the city,” he said, adding that it was strange for the opposition pact to go against its implementation while Singapore had increased its VEP charges for foreign motorists.