Singapore will implement a new Reciprocal Road Charge (RRC) of SG$6.40 (RM20) on all foreign cars entering the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints beginning 15 February. Now, before you start complaining about the new fees, the RRC is actually equivalent to Malaysia’s Road Charge of RM20 for all foreign-registered vehicles entering the country through Johor, which was imposed by our government on 1 November last year. So it’s all fair and square!

"The RRC will be collected together with the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP), toll charges and fixed Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) fees upon departure at the Tuas or Woodlands Checkpoint," said Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) in a statement. The SG$35 (RM109) VEP and toll charges for foreign vehicles will be deducted from the Autopass Card upon departure from Singapore. The authorities have also put up signs as a reminder to drivers to pay applicable charges by inserting their Autopass Card or CashCard into card readers available at the immigration booths.

Last week, Singapore’s Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan had reiterated Singapore’s stance to mirror Malaysia's Road Charge, saying that the republic has a long-standing policy of matching any levy, toll or fee charged by Malaysia for using road links between both countries.