Samster Gathering JB

[KatoeyLover69]

Malaysians working in S'pore HOPPING MAD at Johor tolls hike

Malaysia's move to raise tolls significantly at Johor's main border checkpoint and to impose a new charge for Singapore-bound vehicles have sparked an outcry among Malaysians who say the charge is burdensome to those who work across the Causeway in Singapore.

Last Friday, the Works Ministry, which is under the federal government, released a statement saying that from Aug 1, all vehicles, except motorcycles, that pass through the Johor Baru Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex, otherwise known as the Sultan Iskandar Building, will have to pay higher vehicle entry fees.

Currently, private cars entering Johor from Singapore pay a one-way charge of RM2.90 (S$1.13), irrespective of whether they are local- or foreign-registered. There is no charge for cars entering Singapore from Johor at the CIQ, which connects to the Johor-Singapore Causeway.

But now a two-way toll will be collected from next month. Cars passing through the CIQ will have to pay a total of RM16.50 for a day trip to Singapore or Johor and back - that is, a fee of RM9.70 will be charged while entering Johor and an extra RM6.80 will be charged on the way out.

Buses will have to pay RM13.30 per two-way trip while taxis will be charged RM8.20.

The move has got many Malaysians working in Singapore fuming, as they have to use the Causeway daily and, so, will be most affected by the hike.

Malaysian government statistics showed that last year, 297,445 commuters, out of which more than two-thirds were Malaysians and permanent residents of Malaysia, crossed the Johor-Singapore Causeway and the Tuas Second Link daily.

Ms Sarah Lee, 51, an accounts manager who has been working in Singapore for two decades, said the new charges are too steep.

"It is not like we citizens have a choice other than to drive, as the quality of public transportation here is still not good enough," she told The Sunday Times yesterday.

Technician Mr Mohd Khairul, 29, said he would go back to riding a motorcycle to work to save cost even though it is less safe. "Even if I carpool with colleagues, the travelling costs will still be too expensive for me," he said.

The new charges will be on top of another vehicle entry permit (VEP) fee, reportedly to be RM50, that the government will impose on Singapore-registered vehicles entering Malaysia via Johor Baru by the year-end.

The details of the implementation of this fee are still under discussion but the decision to impose it was announced by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak soon after Singapore announced it was raising VEP on foreign vehicles from $20 to $35 with effect from Aug 1, 2014
- Asiaone (Singapore ) 29 July 2014
------ KatoeyNewsNetwork

[payalsharma]

ubang service will fly to and from the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang and the Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport, Kuantan every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The STAR dated 31 July 2014 :-

Johor planning express bus services for locals working in Singapore

JOHOR BARU - Johor will hold talks with bus companies to provide express services for locals working in Singapore, says Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

"With such a service, people will not have to drive across the Causeway to work. That way, they won't have to pay for tolls," he said.

Apparently, the express bus service would ferry those working in Singapore, but living in Johor Baru, to five designated areas in the republic such as Boon Lay and Jurong.

Khaled was commenting about the complaints over the toll at the Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex.

It starts tomorrow ( Friday 1 August 2014 )

Travelling from Johor to Singapore is now free while motorists pay RM2.90 (S$1.14) for the return trip from Singapore.

From tomorrow, motorists will have to pay RM6.80 at the CIQ in Johor and RM9.70 when they return to Johor.

Khaled said the state government was given an assurance that a portion of the toll collected would be used to maintain the 8.1km Eastern Dispersal Link (EDL).

He allayed public concern that toll would be charged on EDL users.

"It will remain free for motorists using the EDL to get to Pasir Gudang, Stulang and on to Johor Baru city centre."

The Mentri Besar said the new toll rates were not part of the proposed Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fee.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced on July 16 the Government's decision to implement the VEP fee for all foreign vehicles entering Johor.

Separately, Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Chua Tee Yong said the authorities should make public how they arrived at the final figure for the revised toll at CIQ complex.

Chua said many people were upset about the new rates. "Ultimately, the authorities need to strike a balance between increasing revenue and ensuring that the people are not overly burdened," he said. "For example, it may be possibile to offer rebates for during weekends, off peak hours, or special rates for businesses."
------ KatoeyNewsNetwork

[Gem08]

well... my guess is the MPs will have promos and discounts in the short coming, making an effort to compensate for it. well i will do that if im a boss.

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The STAR dated 1.8.14

New toll rates at Johor Causeway on 1.8.14

JOHOR BARU: Motorists travelling to Singapore via the Causeway must now pay a total of RM16.50 for inbound and outbound toll charges at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex.

A spokesman from the Eastern Dispersal Link (EDL) Expressway said that the new toll rates started at 12.01am on Friday.

All charges will be implemented electronically at both sides using the Touch 'n' Go cards, with cash payments no longer possible.

"We will be giving out some 1,000 Touch n' Go cards with a reload value of RM10 to motorists passing through the toll.

"We estimate to hand out 200 cards daily especially during peak hours in the next five days," she told The Star when contacted.

The toll rates for vehicles coming into Malaysia are now RM9.70, RM14.70, RM19.70, RM4.80 and RM7.80 for the respective Class 1 to Class 5 vehicles.

The existing inbound charges ranged from RM1.40 (for taxis) to RM6.10 (for vehicles with three or more axles).

Rates for outbound vehicles would be RM6.80, RM10.20, RM13.60, RM3.40 and RM5.50 starting Friday.

Motorcyclists are exempted from paying toll.

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.

Motorists using the 8.6km elevated highway would not be tolled if they do not go through the CIQ complex.

A controversy erupted following the decision to impose toll collection at the Johor CIQ which forces those who do not use the EDL but want to travel to Singapore to also pay the charges.

The new toll charges were announced by the Malaysian Highway Authority last week.
------ KatoeyNewsNetwork

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The Straits Times (Singapore) dated 5 August 2014 :-

JB shops feel pinch as tolls kick in

JOHOR BARU - Shops at a Johor mall popular with Singaporeans experienced a significant dip in business yesterday, a day after tolls went up on the Malaysian side of the Causeway.

Petrol stations also saw fewer Singapore-registered cars as the impact from the higher tolls began to kick in.

Traffic was unusually smooth on the Causeway for a Saturday morning and even more so yesterday, which was the first weekend after Hari Raya Puasa.

"It usually takes up to two hours just to enter but, today, it took us less than an hour," said learning centre owner Fran William, 35, a Singaporean who made the trip yesterday.

This was a far cry from the chaos last Friday morning, when bus drivers on the way to Singapore refused to pay the new tolls and parked their vehicles before the Johor Baru checkpoint, causing a massive jam.

Hundreds of bus passengers were forced to continue their journey on foot.

At Friday midnight, the toll for cars entering Johor was raised from RM2.90 (S$1.10) to RM9.70, while a new charge of RM6.80 also kicked in for cars returning to Singapore.

Tolls for buses, taxis and goods vehicles were also raised.

That prompted the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to announce that it will match the new tolls in the next few weeks.

This means that cars making the round-trip will have to pay about $12.80 in toll charges, compared with $2.30 before.

With Malaysia also planning to introduce a fee of RM50 on Singapore-registered vehicles by year's end, businesses there admitted they are worried that more Singaporeans could end up staying away.

For clothing boutique SUB at City Square mall, located just a couple of kilometres from the Johor checkpoint, Singaporeans make up 70 per cent of its customers.

Sales assistant Fariha Razak said the number of Singaporean shoppers dipped by about 40 per cent yesterday.

"We are usually very crowded on weekends, but today is like a weekday - there is hardly anyone," said the 19-year-old, gesturing to an almost empty store.

"Maybe it's because of the toll."

At shoe store Summit in the same mall, sales representative Fadziatul Niza Ahmad Jamali, 32, said that there were "not so many" Singaporeans, who make up about 80 per cent of the shop's clientele, yesterday.

"We usually have sales of up to RM12,000 in one day but, on Friday, we hit only about RM5,000," she said. "We're quite worried."

The number of Singapore customers at a Shell petrol station close to the Johor Baru checkpoint has also gone down by about 20 per cent over the last two days, said its cashier Aisya Aishah, 28.

"About 90 per cent of our customers are from Singapore. A lot of them will come every week to pump petrol," she said, adding that she hopes they will return once they get used to the higher tolls.

Singaporeans who made the trip yesterday said it was still "worth it" for now, because of the savings from cheaper food, groceries and petrol.

"I come about once a week to fill my tank and do my marketing," said 49-year-old chauffeur Mohamad Ali Yusoff.

"I can save about $30 to $40 on petrol alone."

Mr William also heads to Johor for his groceries once a fortnight.

"It's just a lot cheaper here. A tin of milk powder for my kids can be half the price of one back home," said the father of two.

"Even with the toll increase, we still save."

But with charges set to increase once LTA completes its move, and again after Malaysia introduces the vehicle entry fee, Mr William said he may have to think twice then about making a trip across the Causeway.

"We might come less frequently or just stop coming completely if it gets too expensive."

For those who commute regularly, the financial pinch would be even more painful.

Said businessman Patrick Chan, who drives from Singapore to Johor up to four times a week for work:

"I'm worried about the RM50 - that is significant, about $80 more for me to pay each week."

The 45-year-old added: "It will hurt those like me pretty badly."

Malaysia announced its proposal for a vehicle entry fee after Singapore decided to increase its permit fees for foreign-registered cars entering this country. S

tarting this month, Malaysia-registered cars have to pay $35 for a daily permit, up from $20.

Drivers of goods vehicles, who used to pay $10 for a monthly permit, now have to fork out $40.

These fees are separate from the toll charges, which have caused plenty of unhappiness among Malaysian commercial drivers.

Said Mrs Maggie Hui, the 56-year-old owner of Malaysian school bus service JK Megamaju:

"If we have to pay more, we have to pass costs to the parents."

The Johor Lorry Operators Association made a U-turn yesterday after its vice-president, Mr Andrew Chia, first told Channel NewsAsia that if the Malaysian government did not reduce the fares, lorry drivers might stage their own protest this week.

The association's president, Mr Anthony Tan, later told the same news outlet that Mr Chia had no authority to say this and that there will be no strike as

"we do not want to create trouble or havoc for other people".

Instead, the association will "go through the proper channels" to air any dissatisfaction.

A spokesman for the Johor-Singapore Community Care Association also told The Sunday Times that the new toll charges are "unreasonably high".

The association was started by a group of Singaporeans living in Johor to assist those who live and work there.

He said : "(We) would like to see an amicable solution that would not be a financial burden for citizens of both states, as they commute daily, be it to make a living, to conduct business or for leisure." ------ KatoeyNewsNetwork

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The STAR dated 7 August 2014 :-

Malaysia to study toll hikes impact

PUTRAJAYA - The Works Ministry is expected to look into the concerns raised by those affected by the new toll rates.

"They (the Works Ministry) are also gathering more information from other (Johor) wakil rakyat over the hue and cry of the local people.

"It is up to the minister in charge to announce these," said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong.

MCA had also voiced concerns over the impact of the new toll on small and medium enterprises and Malaysians who commute daily to Singapore via the expressway.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai has raised this matter in the Cabinet meeting yesterday alongside Dr Wee.

Dr Wee said the concerns were discussed at the meeting and that the Works Ministry was expected to conduct a study on the matter.

"The Works Minister (Datuk Fadillah Yusof) has explained that it is too costly to take over this highway without any charge. That is why they have to impose the toll," Dr Wee said in his office after the Cabinet meeting yesterday.

Last Friday, a group of factory bus drivers staged a blockade at the entrance to the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex in protest of the new toll.

The toll, which came into effect on Aug 1,2014 is collected within the CIQ for the maintenance and building cost of the Eastern Dispersal Link (EDL) and other CIQ-related facilities.

The EDL is an 8.1km expressway that connects the end of the North-South Expressway (NSE) at the Pandan Interchange to the CIQ complex in Bangunan Sultan Iskandar.
------ KatoeyNewsNetwork

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The New Straits Times (Malaysia) dated 7 August 2014 :-

Malaysian VEP unlikely to affect foreign investments in Iskandar Malaysia

NUSAJAYA: The decision to impose a vehicle entry permit (VEP) fee on Singapore-registered vehicles entering Malaysia via Johor Baharu will not likely affect foreign investments in Iskandar Malaysia, said Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) chief executive Datuk Ismail Ibrahim.

He said as Singapore, being one of the largest investors in Iskandar Malaysia with a total investment of RM11 billion, had also imposed the VEP, it would understand its rationale.

“We have not receive any negative statements or opinions from investors on VEP. We are looking at long-term efforts to develop Iskandar Malaysia with an influx of foreign investors.

“Foreign investors are undeterred by VEP. We do not expect any investors to withdraw over VEP, instead they are here for the long haul. They have not said VEP is detrimental (to investment),” he told reporters at an Aidilfitri open house hosted by IRDA at Pinewood Studios here today.

Ismail said only those, who ventured into short-term investments, might feel that that the VEP would pose a problem to them.

The VEP is said to be implemented by the year end, although the details are still under discussion.

On July 1, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority announced that it would raise the VEP and goods vehicle permit fees for foreign-registered vehicles coming into Singapore.

From last Friday, drivers of foreign-registered cars will have to pay $35 for a daily permit, up from $20. Drivers of goods vehicles will pay $40 for a monthly permit, four times more than $10 now. – BERNAMA
------ KatoeyNewsNetwork

[Kalv]

Wishing all a Happy National Day - 9.8.14







Happy Birthday Singapore

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The Straits Times (Singapore) dated 15 August 2014 :-

Drastic Causeway toll hike will hurt businesses, say S'pore and Malaysia chambers

Two business chambers representing companies in Malaysia and Singapore have issued a joint statement warning that "drastic increases" in Causeway charges will have a detrimental economic impact.

Here is the joint press statement released today by Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI) and the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM):

Singapore and Malaysia Chinese Chambers urge governments of both countries to work closely to resolve hike in Causeway transport charges

The two recent measures imposed by the Malaysia and Singapore Governments to significantly increase toll charges and Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fees have sparked an outcry among the public. These measures also had great impact to business, tourism, logistics and transportation, amongst others. In view of the seriousness of the situation, Dato' Lim Kok Cheong, President of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) and Mr Thomas Chua, President of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI) convened a joint meeting today at Batu Pahat, Johor to solicit inputs and feedback from members so that both Chambers could then submit the relevant views and feedback for consideration of their respective Governments in the hope that this issue could be resolved quickly.

Both ACCCIM and SCCCI understand the rationale that the governments of Malaysia and Singapore impose Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fees and toll charges in the interests of road maintenance, as well as traffic conditions and safety. However, the hikes in charges should not be made too drastically or hastily. It should be made with coordination among relevant authorities, and after an extensive study has been made on the likely impact to alleviate the burden on various parties.

Although the increase in the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fee and toll charges will increase Government revenue, reduce vehicular flow and traffic congestion, these drastic increases could deal a big blow to businesses of both countries, especially the transportation industry, tourism, restaurants, hotels, retail business, manufacturing etc. It would also affect the industrial and business development. At the same time, these drastic increases will have a domino effect on the prices of consumer goods, add to the burden of people, and have a definite impact on their consumption ability.

From our understanding, there are currently many Malaysians working in Singapore with Permanent Resident status who live in Johor Bahru area and commute to and from Singapore and Johor Bahru to work. Malaysians working in Singapore would be badly hit since they now need to pay increased two-way toll charges to the Malaysian government. This increases their burden as well as the manpower cost for Singapore companies if transportation costs are factored in.

Both Chambers are of the view that while an adjustment in toll charges and the imposition of Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fee is acceptable, the charges levied have to be reasonable. Prior to implementing any new measures, we urge both Governments to consult the business community to solicit relevant views and feedback, understand and consider the difficulties encountered by the business community and the general public, and conduct a comprehensive study on the issues concerned before implementing the policies so as to mitigate the overall impact on various sectors.

On the issue of increases in toll charges and Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fee, both Chambers earnestly urge their respective Governments to enter into a comprehensive study and explore a workable solution for long-term cooperation and mutual benefits so as to create a win-win situation.
------ KatoeyNewsNetwork

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The STAR (Malaysia) dated 29 August 2014 :-

Malaysia ready to announce entry fee rates at Johor checkpoint

JOHOR BARU - The Government is ready to announce the vehicle entry permit (VEP) fee for foreign vehicles entering Malaysia through Johor Baru.

Mentri Besar Datuk Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the announcement will be made as soon as the Government decides on the rates.

"When and where the announcement is going to be made is up to the Federal Government and not the state,'' he told reporters at the opening of the Exporters Forum 2014 organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation here yesterday.

Last month, during his visit to Johor, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced that the Government had decided to implement VEP fee for all foreign vehicles entering Johor.

He said the decision was made following a request by the state.

Najib also assured that part of the collection would be channelled to the state government.

The state government submitted a proposal in 2006 for the fee to be implemented at the Causeway and the Second Link but it was later scrapped.

It had been pressing for the fee to be implemented, especially after Singapore announced that it was raising its VEP fee for foreign-registered cars to S$35 (RM89.53) a day from S$20 (RM51.16). The fee for foreign-registered goods vehicles also increased - from S$10 (RM25.26) to S$40 (RM101). ------ KatoeyNewsNetwork

[KatoeyLover69]

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[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The STAR (Malaysia) dated 15 September 2014 :-

Causeway toll hike: Better for Malaysian to work at home, says Johor Councillor

JOHOR BARU- It is time for locals who are employed in Singapore to consider taking up job opportunities in Malaysia following the recent Causeway toll hike by Malaysia and Singapore's proposal to match it next month, said Johor human resources and unity executive councillor R. Vidyanathan.

"Malaysians should give serious consideration to working nearer to home, even though a Singapore salary is attractive on account of the exchange rate, which is at a ratio of 1:2.5, he said.

"Social problems including increasing divorce and neglect of family are rampant among those working in Singapore.

"To work in Singapore, you will have to leave home as early as 5am and be back by about 9pm.

"There is hardly time for a worker to spend time with family or see their children grow up," he told reporters after attending the Johor Red Crescent Society's commendation presentation to 500 students here yesterday.

At present, over 300,000 Malaysians are employed in various sectors in Singapore.

"We have many sectors in Johor which need workers, especially at Iskandar Malaysia, Pengerang, and in Desaru," he added. Vidyanathan said there would be about 20,000 to 50,000 jobs available in Johor in the coming years for skilled workers.
------ KatoeyNewsNetwork

[FujiSan]

Beware of what you drink.Your body might not be able to take it



Sunday, Sep 21, 2014
The Star/Asia News Network
It was his favourite "traditional" coffee and he insisted on drinking it despite his wife warning him about the ban on the brand in Malaysia because it also contained sex performance drugs.
Last Sunday, at about 4am in the morning, the 36-year-old man died after taking the RM5 (S$1.95) drink, Harian Metro reported, according to a translation by The Star.
Earlier this month, the daily reported that 17 traditional blended coffee brands were banned by the Health Ministry for containing sildenafil and tadanafil, which are ingredients of drugs used for erectile dysfunction.



Sildenafil is the active agent in Viagra, while tadanafil is also branded as Cialis,
His wife, known only as Ella, 31, said she recently read about a ban and had told her husband about it when he asked for his usual fix.
"He knew it was dangerous. But, he did not listen to me and forced me to make the coffee," Ella told Harian Metro..
"Two hours later, he complained of a headache, breathing difficulties and chest pain. He also vomited many times and began sweating," said Ella, who assured her husband was fine when the two of them and their two kids went for dinner earlier that day.
"I called for an ambulance but (by the time paramedics arrived) my husband was pronounced dead," she said.

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The STAR (Malaysia) dated 24 September 2014 :-

JB SMEs hit by new toll rates

JOHOR BARU: It has only been over a month since Malaysia introduced the new toll rates and businesses are starting to feel the pinch.

Malaysian Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) association chairman Teh Kee Sin said there had been complaints from members that they had suffered a 20% to 30% drop in business, mainly in the logistics, advertising, entertainment, retail sectors and those involved in the hairstyling business.

“The full extent of the situation will be known after Singa­pore also increases its toll rates beginning Oct 1,” he said, adding that this would have a snowball effect on all businesses in Johor.

He added that the SMEs were appealing to leaders in Singapore and Malaysia to sit down and resolve this issue.

“The impact is already being felt. I used to charter private cars to and from Changi airport, which cost me RM200. Now the price has doubled,” Teh told reporters at a press conference here yesterday.

He added that the association was collecting signatures and would be sending a letter to the leaders, including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Mohamed Khaled, to look into this issue.

He added that besides SMEs, the toll hikes would also affect the middle income group and those working in Singapore.

“We are against any barriers that will impede the movement of people and goods between both countries,” Teh said, adding that the hikes would also hurt the country’s business competitiveness as the increased prices would be passed on to consumers.

Businessman K. Nakanathan, 54, who has eight outlets selling spices in hypermarkets and wet markets, has recorded a drop of at least 50% in Singaporean customers.

“My customers used to come at least four times a month. Now they come only once,” he said.

Tee Yen Chong, who is involved in the forwarding business, said that the cost of sending goods between the countries had increased by about 30%.

“Transport charges for lorries plying the Johor Baru and Singapore routes have increased from RM500 to about RM630. We expect it to go up by another RM50 when Singa­pore starts imposing new charges on Oct 1,” he added.

Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced its new toll rates after Malaysia imposed its new toll rates at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex in Bangunan Sultan Iskandar on Aug 1.

The rates are RM9.70 and RM6.80 for inbound and outbound cars respectively. Singapore’s new toll rate for cars will see an increase from S$1.20 to S$3.80 (RM3.03 to RM9.62).
------ KatoeyNewsNetwork