ALOR STAR: The Kedah Tourist Guides Association has welcomed the government's decision to enforce the Road Charge (RC) and Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) regulations, which will soon extend to the Malaysia-Thailand land border.
Its chairman Mohd Firdaus Abu Bakar, said that the regulation system, slated for enforcement at the Malaysia-Singapore land border on Oct 1, is expected to have minimal impact on border crossings and tourism.
Abu Bakar expressed hope that the system would streamline tasks and monitoring for government agencies, relevant parties, and tourists from Thailand.
"For the benefit of all stakeholders and to simplify the tasks of government agencies involved in the entry and exit of vehicles at the Thailand-Malaysia border, the government should develop a system that connects all relevant agencies.
"While we acknowledge that the new system may seem complicated initially, we believe it will be beneficial for Malaysia in the long run," he said in a statement today.
Firdaus said that the regulations would help the government maintain records of foreign vehicle entries, easing any affairs of handling fines committed by foreign vehicles.
"Singapore and Thailand have had such records from the start, so why shouldn't Malaysia implement this? Additionally, fine records can be monitored efficiently.
He also said that the regulations could effectively address corruption issues at the borders.
"The issue of 'duit kopi' (bribes) could also be addressed if all parties take their responsibilities seriously and act with integrity, as Malaysian laws are often perceived as weak by neighbouring countries," he added.
Meanwhile, Firdaus suggested that the government set up Touch 'n Go booths near the Immigration section to facilitate the purchase of Touch 'n Go cards by drivers from Thailand.
"This concept is similar to the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system in Singapore. Drivers will need to use these cards at special machines to enter and exit Malaysia," he said.
He also proposed that the government would mandate that all tourist buses from Thailand use the services of licensed Malaysian tourist guides.
"A list of association members can be provided at the Immigration or Touch n Go office. The Tourism Ministry has the authority to issue fines to Thai tourist buses that do not comply," he added.
Yesterday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that Malaysia will enforce the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) for all foreign vehicles entering from Singapore starting Oct 1.
He said the move would ensure that all road users fully comply with Malaysian road regulations.
He also said that the RC and VEP regulations would soon be extended to the Malaysia-Thailand land border.