Motorists in Singapore express a mix of relief and frustration on the initial day of Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) implementation in Malaysia.
In the coming days, Singaporean motorists travelling to Johor Bahru will face new challenges due to the strict enforcement of the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) that begins on July 1, 2025. Here's what you need to know to make your journey smoother.
Common Challenges for Singaporean Motorists --------------------------------------------
The VEP, which requires Singapore-registered vehicles to have a valid and activated permit, has led to several issues for motorists. These include on-the-spot fines, delays, awareness and readiness concerns, application bottlenecks, and technical requirements.
On-the-spot fines and delays: Motorists without a valid VEP will be fined RM300 (around SGD 90) upon entry into Johor Bahru. This has resulted in traffic snarls and delays at the Causeway as officers check compliance and issue fines. Some motorists have experienced delays of 15 minutes or more to settle fines before being allowed to exit Malaysia.
Awareness and readiness: Despite a long grace period since May 2024, many drivers were still not adequately prepared with a registered and active VEP by the enforcement date, leading to last-minute rushes and fines.
Application bottlenecks: The rush to register for VEP and affix the RFID tags before enforcement caused bottlenecks with the Road Transport Department (JPJ), complicating compliance efforts and adding to motorists’ anxiety.
Technical requirements: Registration involves linking the VEP to an RFID tag installed on the vehicle’s windscreen, which must be scanned at checkpoints. This introduces a technical step unfamiliar to many daily commuters.
Solutions for Singaporean Motorists ------------------------------------
To avoid these issues, motorists should take the following steps:
1. Early and correct registration: Register your vehicles with Malaysia’s JPJ and activate your VEP well before crossing the border to avoid last-minute complications and fines.
2. Proper installation of RFID tag: Ensuring the RFID tag is properly affixed and functional is essential for smooth passage through checkpoints as it enables electronic verification of the permit.
3. Check VEP status regularly: Before every trip, drivers should verify that their VEP is active to prevent accidental violations and penalties.
4. Allow extra travel time: With enforcement likely to cause slower processing at the border, especially during peak hours or holidays, drivers should plan for additional travel time to accommodate potential delays.
5. Stay updated on regulations: Given the recent implementation and possible updates, staying informed through official Malaysian and Singapore transport channels will help motorists adapt swiftly to any changes.
In summary, the main obstacles for Singaporean motorists stem from compliance readiness, administrative bottlenecks, and enforcement delays at the border. These can be largely mitigated by early registration, proper RFID installation, and careful planning before travelling to Johor Bahru.
As the VEP enforcement begins, it is essential for motorists to be aware of these challenges and take the necessary steps to ensure a smooth journey.
Despite the new challenges presented by the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) enforcement for Singaporean motorists traveling to Johor Bahru, it's possible to make the journey smoother by adopting a sporty approach to preparation. Register your vehicles early and correctly with Malaysia’s JPJ, ensure the RFID tag is properly affixed and functional, check the VEP status regularly, allow extra travel time, and stay updated on regulations to run the race of border crossings effortlessly. By following these steps, you can score a victory over any potential delays, fines, and technical requirements.
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