Memo to reduce Causeway toll

JOHOR BARU: Chinese organisations here will submit a memorandum to the government tomorrow to ask them to reduce the newly imposed toll rates at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs and Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex to a reasonable level.
"The memorandum will be given to the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong to bring up the matter to the Cabinet," said Johor Baru Tiong Hua Association president Datuk Seri Tey Kim Chai.
The new toll rate will badly hit the small-medium industries, transportation sector and tourism-related businesses, he said.
He said commuters who cross the Causeway 22 days per month, will incur an extra monthly expense of RM300.
He expects Malaysian professionals, who are working in Singapore, may prefer to stay there instead of incurring extra expenses.
He hopes the government can ease the plight of the local community as the new toll rates will drive the cost of living higher, especially with the strong Singapore dollar.
The Johor Baru Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCCI) president Datuk Loh Liam Hiang said the chamber, which represents 35 various trade organisations, prepared the memorandum.