The Malaysian Road Transport Department (JPJ) announced that foreign-registered vehicles without Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) tags from Singapore would still be allowed to enter Malaysia past the Oct 1 deadline. The enforcement of the VEP requirement will be executed in phases, and drivers will receive reminders at land borders to register, install, and activate their RFID tags. A warning notice will also be issued to drivers before leaving Malaysia if they have not yet installed their VEP. As of Sep 25, 62,635 Singapore-registered vehicles have activated their RFID tags for VEP.
Singaporean drivers have been rushing to secure their VEP ahead of the deadline, facing challenges such as application process snags and long queues at the installation centre in Johor Bahru. In response to the demand, Malaysia has opened additional centres in Woodlands and Johor Bahru to expand the tag installation capacity. Concerns have been raised by Singapore drivers regarding the legality of driving their vehicles across the border to get the RFID tag installed in Johor Bahru after Oct 1, even if they have completed the registration process and secured an appointment.
The VEP system was introduced in Malaysia in 2019, but the enforcement was postponed until Oct 1, 2019. Motorists entering Malaysia by land from Singapore are required to have VEPs, and failure to do so may result in fines or jail time. Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that around 60,000 applications were received between May and Jul 31, with 40 percent being incomplete. He anticipated a further 50,000 VEP applications before the Oct 1 deadline. Drivers can book appointments for RFID tag installation at three centres in Malaysia and the Woodlands office in Singapore.
The Friday announcement from JPJ allowing foreign-registered vehicles without VEP tags to enter Malaysia after the Oct 1 deadline comes as a relief to Singapore drivers who were concerned about enforcement measures. Drivers have been facing challenges in the VEP application process and long queues at installation centres. The government has opened additional centres to accommodate the high demand and increase tag installation capacity. Malaysia’s decision to execute the VEP requirement in phases provides some flexibility for drivers who have not yet installed their RFID tags.
As the Oct 1 deadline for VEP implementation approaches, Singapore drivers are advised to complete their registration and secure appointments for RFID tag installation at the designated centres in Malaysia and Singapore. The VEP requirement aims to regulate foreign-registered vehicles entering Malaysia by land and ensure compliance with regulations. Malaysian authorities are working to streamline the application process and address concerns raised by drivers regarding the VEP system. The phased execution of the VEP requirement aims to facilitate a smooth transition for all drivers entering Malaysia from Singapore.
