Mr Loke stated that Malaysia had received close to 60,000 applications for the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) as of July 31, following the announcement of the Oct 1 deadline on May 28. Out of these applications, 40 per cent were incomplete, with missing documents such as vehicle insurance certificates, identification cards, and certificates of entitlement (COE). The transport minister anticipates another 50,000 applications in the next two months leading up to the deadline.
Emphasizing the urgency of the approaching deadline, Mr Loke advised Singaporean drivers entering Malaysia through land checkpoints to complete the VEP application process before Oct 1. He highlighted the importance of having the necessary documents and stated that vehicles without the VEP may encounter issues at the enforcement deadline. Drivers who have received the VEP tag by post are required to activate it within seven days to avoid expiration.
Starting from Aug 2, drivers can reactivate the VEP tag through the same portal they used for the initial registration. Mr Loke reiterated that the VEP enforcement was necessary to ensure accountability and to monitor the entry of vehicles into Malaysia. He stressed the importance of knowing the details of the drivers and their vehicles to prevent any suspicious activities.
In case of non-compliance with the VEP requirements, Malaysia’s transport ministry stated in May that foreign-registered vehicles without the permit could face fines of up to RM2,000 or imprisonment for up to six months upon conviction. Mr Loke mentioned that vehicles entering Malaysia without the VEP would be in violation of the rules. Singaporean driver Ron Ho expressed his intention to visit the information counter in Woodlands once it is established, as he was previously affected by issues with his VEP application.
Mr Ho suggested setting up an application center for the VEP in Singapore, noting the crowded conditions at the Woodlands Immigration Centre. He proposed utilizing spaces with better parking facilities, such as Woodlands Park, to accommodate multiple booths for VEP processing. Mr Loke indicated that further details on enforcement plans for vehicles without the VEP would be shared on Oct 1, aligning with Malaysia’s commitment to implementing the VEP system for added security and regulation of vehicle entries.
