Malaysia delays enforcement of VEP; Singapore vehicles without tag can still enter from Oct 1 but will get reminder

JOHOR BAHRU: Foreign-registered vehicles yet to install Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) tags by the Oct 1 deadline will still be allowed to enter Malaysia from Singapore, Malaysian authorities said on Friday (Sep 27) as they clarified that enforcement would be “executed in phases”.

Drivers will be issued a reminder at the land borders to register, install and activate their radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) added in a statement.

“All vehicles from Singapore who do not have a VEP can enter Malaysia as usual.”

“However, all vehicle owners who have not obtained an RFID VEP will be issued a reminder at the land borders to quickly register, install and activate their VEP RFID,” JPJ said. 

Additionally JPJ added that a warning notice will be issued to vehicle drivers before they leave Malaysia if they have still not installed their VEP.

Singaporean drivers have been scrambling to secure their VEP ahead of Oct 1, with many flocking to two new centres in Johor Bahru to get their RFID tags outfitted.

JPJ added that as of Sep 25, RFID tags for VEP have been activated for 62,635 Singapore-registered vehicles.

In May, Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that all foreign-registered vehicles entering the country by land from Singapore would be required to use VEPs from Oct 1.

The VEP system has been in place since 2019 but had yet to be enforced, Mr Loke said at the time.

Motorists who fail to do so may be fined up to RM2,000 (US$484) or jailed for up to six months.