As of 1 July 2024, Malaysia has ramped up enforcement of the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) scheme, setting the stage for a stricter regulation on Singaporean motorists. The new rule has many road users on edge, with fines for violations now firmly in place.
Immediately following the midnight enforcement, a roadblock near the Causeway led to around 15 Singapore-registered vehicles being pulled over within just 15 minutes. Motorists without a valid or activated VEP tag were slapped with a RM300 fine (approximately US$71), a situation that Transport Minister Anthony Loke had warned about earlier this year.
Details of Enforcement
- Over 50 officers conducted checks during the early hours of enforcement.
- Drivers caught without valid VEP tags were required to register immediately to avoid further penalties.
- Payment could be processed at mobile counters or online.
Loke had assured all Singapore vehicle owners that they could still enter Malaysia even if they didn’t have a VEP. However, doing so without a valid permit incurs complications that might just lead to further fines.
Reactions from Motorists
As motorists entered Malaysia on the first day of new enforcement, many expressed relief in escaping fines, although reports indicated some had to confront long waits at VEP registration centres. Kah Chan, who recalled an earlier experience during testing, compared the traffic flow, noting it was unusually smooth.
Challenges in Registration
The VEP scheme was introduced in October 2023, requiring all foreign-registered vehicles entering Malaysia via land from Singapore to use VEPs. Yet issues in the registration process have left many frustrated:
- Delays at registration centres caused headaches as prospective applicants struggled with system errors.
- Some drivers were redirected between multiple locations to resolve their application issues.
Drivers like Ms Cheryl Lee expressed her frustrations regarding the process, citing her difficulties in transitioning her company vehicle registration. Despite the hiccups, the couple of hours spent waiting were still spent in relative calm, as enforcement activities were reported to be minimal for the rest of the day.
Impact Going Forward
As Malaysia’s Road Transport Department continues to issue VEP tags, the challenge lies ahead as locals address compliance issues. Director-general Aedy Fadli Ramli stated that the aim is to ensure all Singaporeans comply with Malaysian regulations, highlighting a small group of non-compliant drivers who still need to step up.