M'SIA AND S'PORE AGREE TO REDUCE SECOND LINK TOLL RATE BY 30 PCT

PUTRAJAYA, June 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Singapore have agreed to reduce their respective toll charges at the Second Link by 30 per cent effective Aug 1.

The consensus was reached after a meeting between Prime Minister Najib
Razak and his Singapore counterpart, Lee Hsien Loong, here Tuesday.

Lee is here for a day's visit to, among others, further discuss the
implementation of the points of agreement (POA) on Malayan Railway land in
Singapore.

"Whatever proposal that Malaysia made...I made 30 per cent offer...Mr Lee
very kindly responded with the equivalent amount.

"Hopefully, the reduction of the toll rate will see a better utilisation of
the Second Link," Najib, who is also Finance Minister, told a joint news
conference here.

The Second Link refers to the bridge that spans the stretch between
Singapore and Malaysia where it extends a total of 47km from Tanjong Kupang to
Senai in the Malaysian state of Johor, and a twin-deck bridge supporting a dual
three-lane carriageway linking Tanjung Kupang in Johor and Tuas in Singapore.

Meanwhile, Lee said that the toll reduction was good news for the citizens
of both countries.

"It is good news for Singaporeans going to Malaysia and Malaysians coming to
Singapore and, hopefully, many more Singaporeans and Malaysians will do so," he
said.

The Second Link, an alternative route to the Causeway, provides speedy
clearance and a hassle-free journey to commuters.

It is already being regarded as the obvious choice for the transportation of
people and goods between the two countries.
-- BERNAMA