Driving into Malaysia from Singapore? Here’s Everything You Need to Know About the VEP Starting October 1
JOHOR BARU, Sept 30 – Beginning October 1, the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) will be enforced for Singaporean vehicles entering Malaysia via Johor.
This has become a hot topic, as many Singaporean motorists have yet to install and activate their VEP’s Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags.
Malaysian authorities have reassured drivers that those without VEP tags will still be allowed entry into Malaysia. However, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) will issue warning notices to Singaporean drivers who exit Malaysia without a valid VEP.
As of last week, JPJ reported that only 62,635 Singaporean vehicles had activated their VEP RFID tags, with 130,000 more expected to be issued in the coming weeks. So far, 90,000 vehicles have been registered.
What is the VEP?
The Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) is a mandatory permit that allows foreign-registered vehicles to enter Malaysia, functioning similarly to an identity card for cars. Malaysian-registered vehicles do not need to apply for the VEP.
Once approved, JPJ will notify applicants via email. The vehicle owner can then choose to collect the VEP RFID tag in person from a designated VEP collection centre in Johor Baru or have it delivered. The tag costs RM10, excluding delivery and service charges.
How to Activate Your VEP RFID Tag
Once you receive your RFID tag, it must be registered through the VEP portal. The vehicle owner is responsible for registering and updating any information related to the tag.
Since the RFID tag is non-transferable and unique to each vehicle, it must be affixed to the car it was registered for. If the tag is faulty, it can be replaced free of charge, but if it has been tampered with, no free replacement will be provided.
Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Tags
In case of a lost, stolen, or damaged RFID tag, the vehicle owner must inform JPJ via the portal and file a police report. Only after this process can a new RFID tag be issued.
Key Points to Remember
- The VEP system monitors Singapore-registered vehicles at both land border crossings into Malaysia. This allows local authorities to track motorists with traffic violations and prevent them from leaving the country.
- Those with outstanding Malaysian traffic summonses or fines are advised to settle them, as enforcement will begin on January 1 next year.
- All categories of foreign vehicles, including government, private, commercial, and consulate-owned, must have a VEP to enter Malaysia. Currently, motorcycles are exempt but will be required to register in the future.
Under Section 66H of the Road Transport Act 1987, the VEP costs RM10 and is valid for five years. The non-transferable RFID tag uniquely identifies each vehicle.
Applying for Your VEP RFID Tag
To apply, vehicle owners must register on the JPJ VEP portal and await confirmation via email. Since the VEP operates cashlessly, you will need a Touch ‘n Go eWallet account to link with the RFID tag and pay for tolls on Malaysian highways.
During registration, you will need to provide:
- Your motor vehicle insurance policy
- A copy of your identity card
- The vehicle’s Certificate of Entitlement (COE)
In addition to the VEP, a RM20 road charge is imposed on all vehicles entering Malaysia from Singapore.