KUALA LUMPUR(Malaysia): Lorries entering the country will not be charged levies from 2010 onwards.

This comes following the signing of the Asean Framework on Facilitation of Interstate Transport at the Asean Transport Ministers (ATM) meeting in Manila, which concluded on Saturday.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said the agreement was to facilitate efficient transport of goods within member nations, but meant Malaysia would lose RM143 million yearly.

He cited the levies imposed on lorries moving between Malaysia and Singapore as an example. At present, lorries going into Singapore are charged RM200, while lorries coming into the country from Singapore are charged a RM100 levy.

Ong said another significant agreement signed at the ATM meeting was the Asean Roadmap for Liberalisation of Air Services under the "Asean Open Skies" policy.

The agreement allows air travel without restrictions on frequency, number of passengers and air cargo between member nations.

It is scheduled to take effect on Jan 1, but the liberalisation of air travel between Malaysia and Singapore will take place on Dec 1. By promoting the cross-border flow of goods and passengers, Asean expects to increase trade, tourism and investment in the region.