Oh dear, Singaporeans will stop coming to Johor because of VEP…?

Oh dear, Singaporeans will stop coming to Johor because of VEP…?

This is a popular topic now in Singapore, for those who owns a car and has driven into Malaysia before. Many are saying that they may think twice about driving into Malaysia. Perhaps some may even think thrice? My good friend who came to pick me up from the Changi airport also told me about it just 2 days ago.

It’s about Malaysia’s requirement for all foreign-registered vehicles entering the country by land from Singapore to use vehicle entry permits (VEPs) starting 1st October 2024. If they did not do so, they may be fined up to RM2,000 (US$475) or jailed for up to six months. This was announced by our Transport Minister Anthony Loke. (Source: channelnewsasia.com)

Article in nst.com.my Singaporean motorists have voiced their frustrations in securing the necessary permits, which includes complicated online registration process and the difficulties in securing appointments for RFID installation, which may leave many unable to meet the Oct 1 deadline.

This is anticipated to cause a ripple effect on Johor-based small, medium entrepreneurs, with a huge number of Singaporeans opting to postpone or cancel their travel plans to the state.

Hotel manager Razak Mahadi said, “It’s not just the VEP, it’s the uncertainty around it. Singaporeans do not want the hassle, and many are now rethinking their weekend getaways to Johor.”

“Even with the new installation centres, getting an appointment has been difficult, and the online registration portal is too confusing.” Do read the long article here: Article in nst.com.my

Let’s make the VEP application better, of course we must

In the article we also learnt that on the Malaysian side, we are also doing more in order to make the registration even faster. Just need to note that for anything new, there are bound to be lots of noises. There are reasons why this RFID tag is needed and every stakeholder including the drivers of foreign owned vehicles should also spend some effort in complying with it too.

The main reason is because of the small number of Singaporean drivers who drove without following regulations and yet did not pay the fines before they leave… So, if one party is to be blamed, why not the ones who flout the law thus causing this need in the first place? By the way, the total outstanding fines is RM3.5 million. Small amount when converted to Singaporean dollar, right? Please do register the VEP and if you are following the law, nothing to worry and it’s just one time anyway.

Come into Malaysia and follow the rules too

Just as I am super happy to see a progressive Singapore every time I visit, I am super happy that there’s now a solid plan to ensure fines are paid which in turn will lead to people driving better and following the law too. Win-Win if you ask me.

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