KUALA LUMPUR – Singaporean motorists are growing increasingly anxious as the October 1 deadline for Malaysia’s Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) requirement looms, with many unsure if their applications will be processed in time.
According to Channel News Asia, some are opting to hold off on travelling to Johor Bahru until they receive their VEP tags, unwilling to risk potential penalties for non-compliance.
For 41-year-old Kevin Lee, who frequently drives across the Causeway for work, the stakes are high.
Lee, employed in the construction industry, relies on driving for quick access to his clients in Johor Bahru. Despite applying for the VEP weeks ago and receiving approval, he has yet to receive his RFID tag, a key component of the permit.
“I have still not received anything and will just have to wait until it arrives. In a sense, I’m totally stuck,” he said.
“Come Oct 1, I’m not sure how the rule will be enforced. We are in the sales line so driving is important. If I cannot get a VEP, I have to let my boss know and we will consider alternatives.”
Like Lee, several Singaporean drivers have expressed similar concerns to Scoop, with many unsure how they will continue their journeys to Johor for work, leisure, or family visits. Some are considering alternative transport such as taxis or renting cars in Malaysia, as local businesses report a surge in enquiries for these services.
The VEP, which Malaysia will enforce from October 1, mandates that all foreign-registered vehicles entering the country by land must display an RFID tag.
Motorists without one face fines of up to RM2,000 or even jail time. Despite this looming deadline, many drivers are still in the midst of completing their applications, and some fear they may not receive their tags in time.
At the VEP collection centres in Johor Bahru and Singapore’s Woodlands, drivers have reported long queues and overwhelmed staff. “We’ve had to turn people away if they don’t have appointments,” said Ng Poh Heng, manager at the Woodlands VEP office.
In response to the growing backlog, Malaysia’s Road Transport Department (JPJ) has opened two new locations in Johor to help expedite the process. However, officials acknowledge that some drivers may not receive their tags before the deadline, leading to further uncertainty.
“My concern is that the authorities like traffic police may realise that my RFID is not valid, then they might take action against me.
“I don’t want to bring problems to my family members who will be with me. So let’s say (there’s a) hiccup or problems (arise), we will have to go through a lot of trouble. So I try to avoid that,” said Lee SC.
Others, like private-hire driver Sunari Sahari, are resigned to staying put until the issue is resolved.
“I used to visit my family in Johor regularly, but with this situation, I’m prepared to stop going for now,” he said.
“It’s certainly a possibility (that we won’t be visiting for a while). Many who have applied have not gotten their VEP so it’s an issue, and we don’t know where to turn to,” Sunari said.
“The whole thing has been problematic and the way the deadline was imposed, everything became so rushed. We have family to visit, so I urge that the Malaysian government reconsider extending the deadline, or make things easier for people,”
Some Singaporean firms are stepping in to assist those struggling with the application process. Consultancy company Innox Group offers VEP services for a fee and has seen an “overwhelming” number of enquiries, particularly from drivers who are less tech-savvy.
But even as services ramp up, many motorists are still left in the dark, unsure of how the new rule will be enforced and whether they will manage to comply in time.
With drivers exploring alternatives and businesses reporting increased demand for cross-border services, the uncertainty surrounding the VEP deadline is already reshaping travel between Singapore and Johor. Some fear that fewer Singaporeans will visit Johor after October 1, potentially affecting local businesses. – September 22, 2024