Cheap Malaysian petrol

Have you guys heard of the news that the Malaysian Government plans to impose a RM20 levy on all foreign vehicles entering through Malaysia, regardless of the length of stay? Well, I guess this spells the end of Singaporean drivers going into Johor for supper, petrol, etc. Bervin has been going into Malaysia for supper, car wash & petrol quite frequently recently. I tagged along because I get a free ride in & some time away from my books too. Such trips will be few & far between from 1st May 2006, when the levy is scheduled to begin. Sigh. I wonder what will be the effect on the number of Singaporeans going in, because it will effectively cancel out any savings we get from the cheap food, petrol & car washes. It might be a negligible sum if groups go for long holidays, but for the day trippers, it kind of kills any urge to drive in. Public transport isn't that convenient in Johor because we are unfamiliar with their system. Maybe it might not have a substantial effect at all, & the only winners are our neighbour's government, as they get to spend the extra money. Looks like a game of wait & see.

Ja neh!!!