The Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) for Singaporean vehicles entering Malaysia through Johor will officially come into force on October 1. Despite the requirement, many Singaporean drivers have yet to install and activate their VEP’s radio frequency identification (RFID) tags.
While Malaysian authorities will allow entry without the VEP tag during the initial phase, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) has announced that drivers leaving Malaysia without a valid VEP will be issued warning notices.
As of the latest data, only 62,635 Singaporean vehicles have activated their VEP RFID tags, leaving approximately 130,000 vehicles awaiting their VEP tags.
What is the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP)?
The Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) is an authorisation permit allowing foreign-registered vehicles to enter Malaysia. Similar to a passport for vehicles, it applies only to foreign vehicles, excluding Malaysian-registered ones. All types of foreign vehicles, including private, commercial, consulate-owned, and government vehicles, are required to have a VEP.
Currently, motorcycles are exempt from this requirement, though the government plans to make VEP mandatory for them in the future.
The VEP is issued under Section 66H of the Road Transport Act 1987 and includes an RFID tag, which is unique to each vehicle and costs RM10. The VEP tag is valid for five years and is non-transferable between vehicles.
Why is the VEP Important?
The VEP RFID tag enables Malaysian authorities to monitor vehicles crossing the border, allowing them to identify vehicles with outstanding traffic violations. Additionally, drivers with unresolved traffic summons will be blocked from leaving Malaysia starting from January 1 next year.
How to Apply for Your VEP RFID Tag
Singaporean vehicle owners need to follow these steps to apply for the VEP RFID tag:
- Register on the JPJ VEP Portal: Start by registering your vehicle on the JPJ VEP portal. Successful applicants will receive confirmation via email.
- Prepare Documents: During the registration process, you’ll need to submit several documents:
- Motor vehicle insurance policy
- Copy of your identity card
- Vehicle’s Certificate of Entitlement (COE)
- Payment Method: The VEP operates on a cashless basis, and applicants must have a Touch ‘n Go eWallet account. The RFID tag will be linked to this eWallet account, which can also be used for toll payments in Malaysia.
- Select Collection Method: Upon approval, the RFID tag can either be delivered to you via courier or collected from a VEP collection centre in Johor Baru. Once approved, you will be notified of the next steps via email.
- Payment: Pay for the RFID tag, which costs RM10, excluding any delivery or service fees.
How to Activate Your VEP RFID Tag
After receiving your RFID tag, you must activate it via the VEP portal. Activation is essential to ensure your tag is working correctly, as the tag is unique to the registered vehicle and non-transferable.
If the RFID tag malfunctions, JPJ will provide a replacement at no charge. However, there will be no free replacement if the tag is damaged due to tampering.
What to Do if Your RFID Tag is Lost, Stolen, or Damaged
In case your RFID tag is lost, stolen, or damaged, the vehicle owner is responsible for reporting it via the VEP portal. A police report is also required to request a replacement tag from JPJ.
Important Considerations for Singaporean Drivers
- Traffic Violations: With the VEP system in place, Singaporean vehicles will be monitored at border crossings. Drivers with unpaid traffic summons or fines are advised to settle them to avoid any issues at the border.
- Outstanding Fines: Starting January 1, 2024, enforcement actions will be taken against those with outstanding fines, preventing them from exiting Malaysia until their fines are resolved.
- VEP Fees: In addition to the RFID tag, Singapore-registered vehicles are subject to a RM20 road charge when entering Malaysia from Singapore.
As Malaysia prepares for the full implementation of the VEP system, it’s crucial for Singaporean motorists to comply with the guidelines and ensure they have their RFID tags installed and activated to avoid any complications.
