07/02/2026

SATURDAY | FEB 7, 2026

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Singapore set to raise Vehicle Entry Permit fees

France keen to elevate bilateral ties

KUALA LUMPUR: France and Malaysia are set to elevate bilateral ties through a “sovereignty partnership” aimed at strengthening strategic autonomy in security, defence and energy sectors, said French Ambassador to Malaysia Marc Abensour. He said the partnership seeks to enhance the resilience and strategic autonomy of both countries amid growing global technological and security challenges. “When you develop capabilities to ensure your own security and defence, you gain in terms of sovereignty and autonomy. “France has a long-standing relationship with Malaysia in these sectors, and we want to develop it further.” He was speaking at the French Security Day event, which brought together a delegation of French companies for a presentation at his residence on Thursday. Organised by Business France, the event served as a strategic platform for French security and cybersecurity firms to showcase their latest technologies, and explore potential industrial partnerships with Malaysian stakeholders. It featured introductory presentations by participating companies, followed by a networking session. Abensour said beyond traditional defence cooperation, bilateral ties are expanding into the energy transition and the critical minerals sector. He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to France last July opened avenues for cooperation in civilian nuclear energy and the Asean power grid. “France produces more than 70% of its electricity from nuclear energy. We can share expertise on nuclear safety and how to manage such programmes inclusively with the local population.” Abensour also cited a recent agreement between Malaysian firm Malaco Mining Sdn Bhd and French company Carester on critical minerals as an example of technology transfer that supports Malaysia’s move up the global value chain while complying with environmental, social and governance standards. Meanwhile, French Embassy Business France Malaysia director and commercial counsellor Jean-Francois Ambrosio said long-established companies such as Airbus and Sergi have operated in Malaysia for decades. He said newer firms are also eyeing the country as a strategic regional hub. – Bernama

SINGAPORE: The Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fees for foreign registered cars and motorcycles into Singapore will be raised to S$50 per day and S$7 per day, respectively, effective Jan 1, 2027, according to the Land Transport Authority (LTA). The new VEP fees are higher than the current rates of S$35 per day for cars and S$4 per day for motorcycles. “The VEP fee will now apply on all days, except on weekends and Singapore public holidays. The annual 10 free VEP days and the free VEP hours on weekdays will be removed,“ said the LTA in a statement yesterday. It also announced that the Goods Vehicle Permit (GVP) fee for foreign registered goods vehicles would increase from S$40 to S$70 per month, Bernama reported. “Owners of foreign-registered goods vehicles can continue to purchase the GVP at the current fee of S$40 before the revised fee comes into effect.” The agency said in preparation for the use of the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) 2 system for road charging from Jan 1, 2027, foreign motorists o New rates of S$50 per day for cars and S$7 for motorcycles to come into force on Jan 1, 2027 KUALA LUMPUR: After more than five decades of diplomatic relations, Cuba and Malaysia are moving to deepen their partnership in trade, biotechnology, healthcare and renewable energy, said Cuba’s Ambassador to Malaysia Yadira Ledesma Hernandez. Marking the 51st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on Feb 6, 1975, she said bilateral ties have evolved from formal diplomatic engagement into meaningful partnerships across multiple sectors, underpinned by mutual respect and political solidarity despite the geographical distance between the two countries. Hernandez said key milestones over the years include the opening of embassies in both capitals, regular high-level exchanges and cooperation agreements in health, education, sports and culture. “A particularly meaningful

The Singapore Land Transport Authority said the new VEP fee would apply on all days, except on weekends and public holidays observed by the city state. – BERNAMAPIC

It said foreign-registered vehicles entering Singapore without an OBU would be required to pay a flat-rate ERP fee of S$3 for motorcycles and S$10 for all other vehicles for every ERP operational day that the vehicle travels on Singapore roads. The agency also highlighted that to encourage more foreign-registered

could instal the new ERP2 on-board unit (OBU) on their foreign registered vehicles from April 1, 2026. It added that the OBU would not be mandatory for foreign-registered vehicles. However, Malaysian taxis would be required to instal OBUs for tracking and enforcement purposes within Singapore.

vehicles to instal the OBU before the implementation of the ERP2 system, the cost of the OBU for foreign motorists would be the prevailing rate of S$158.70 (inclusive of 9% Goods and Services Tax) until Dec 31. It said the OBU could only be installed in Singapore by authorised workshops and technicians.

Cuba, Malaysia eye deeper partnership

unilateral list of state sponsors of terrorism.” She identified trade, biotechnology, healthcare, renewable energy, tourism, higher education and digital innovation as sectors that align with Malaysia’s economic diversification and Cuba’s scientific strengths. “Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals are particularly promising due to Cuba’s internationally recognised scientific institutions.” She said tourism and renewable energy also offer attractive opportunities, especially through Cuba’s foreign investment framework and the Mariel Special Development Zone. She added that Cuba’s research capabilities could complement Malaysia’s manufacturing strengths. “These capabilities can complement Malaysia’s

achievement the collaboration in the medical field, including Cuba’s support in human resource training through medical scholarships.” She said both countries also coordinate consistently at the United Nations and within the Non-Aligned Movement as well as the Group of 77 and China. Hernandez said political and diplomatic engagement remains active and constructive, with both governments sharing commitments to multilateralism and peaceful coexistence. “Our people and government appreciate Malaysia’s traditional support for Cuba’s just demand to end the genocidal economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States for more than 60 years and its determination to condemn the unjustifiable continued inclusion of Cuba on the spurious and has been

manufacturing and distribution capacities. Joint ventures, technology transfer and research collaboration could strengthen both nations’ healthcare systems and contribute to regional health,” she said, referring to Cuba’s biopharmaceutical ecosystem under BioCubaFarma. She said the embassy is stepping up efforts to enhance business connectivity by promoting participation in trade events such as the Havana International Fair and coordinating with Malaysian agencies to organise trade missions and forums. She added that the embassy is boosting efforts to promote tourism and cultural exchanges, highlighting Cuba’s heritage, music and cuisine, with travel facilitated by visa waiver for Malaysians. “We invite Malaysian partners to explore opportunities in strategic sectors.” – Bernama

Sri Lankan diaspora urged to help with economic recovery

KUALA Lanka reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening long-standing bilateral relations with Malaysia as it marked its 78th Independence Day. Acting High Commissioner to Malaysia M.I. Mohamed Rizvi said LUMPUR: Sri

make investments in the country.” He said the mission prioritises the welfare of Sri Lankan workers in the country. He advised Sri Lankan nationals to always seek employment through legal channels. – Bernama

important role in helping to promote Sri Lanka among Malaysians as a destination for trade, investment and tourism. “We are inviting all Sri Lankans and people of Sri Lankan origin to visit Sri Lanka. They can also do business and

Speaking at the Independence Day celebration on Wednesday, Rizvi encouraged the Sri Lankan community in Malaysia to contribute to the country’s economic recovery and growth. He said the diaspora could play an

relations two countries have remained strong and consistently positive, bolstered by recent ministerial visits, with the High Commission working to build more resilient economic and people to-people ties. between the