M’sia-S’pore Border: Foreign Registered Vehicles Must Have Valid VEP Starting Oct

Transport Minister YB Anthony Loke has announced that starting October this year, the full enforcement of the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) regulation at the Malaysia-Singapore border will commence to ensure compliance with local road regulations by foreign-registered vehicle owners.

Under Section 66H (7) of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333), driving a foreign vehicle without a VEP will result in enforcement actions. Offenders may face a fine of up to RM2,000 or imprisonment for up to six months upon conviction.

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) is authorised to prevent any foreign vehicle without a VEP from entering Malaysia. According to Loke, "The enforcement of the VEP allows us to track foreign vehicles entering and leaving Malaysia. Any traffic summons must be settled before the vehicle can exit the country."

The VEP registration, initiated in April 2019 for vehicles crossing at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex Sultan Iskandar Building and Sultan Abu Bakar Building in Johor, had not been enforced until now. Records indicate that around 70,000 Singapore-registered vehicles have activated VEP tags out of more than 200,000 registered vehicles.

Loke urged foreign vehicle owners to renew expiring VEPs or register for the permit promptly to avoid issues when entering and leaving Malaysia. The registration process has been simplified, with RFID VEP tags now can be sent directly to applicants' addresses. Owners can install the tags themselves, which cost RM10 each and are valid for five years.

Additionally, Loke revealed plans to extend the road charge (RC) and VEP regulations to the Malaysia-Thailand border. Therefore, the government is inviting qualified parties to submit proposals for developing and operating the system on behalf of JPJ. No government funds will be used for these hence all interested parties will have to cover their own costs.

Proposals on business models and questions can be directed to amirul@mot.gov.my or arbi@mot.gov.my.

Credit: BERNAMA