If you’ve ever zipped across the Causeway for supper, cheap petrol or a quick Malacca weekend, you might want to keep reading, especially if you’ve been procrastinating about that Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP).

After years of delays and postponements, Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke has finally drawn the line in the tarmac. Come 1 July 2025, the Malaysian authorities will officially begin enforcing the VEP requirement on all Singapore-registered vehicles entering their borders.

A Long Time Coming

To call the VEP rollout a slow burn would be generous. First tabled in 2017, the plan idled through multiple reschedules; first in 2019, then again in 2020, no thanks to the global pandemic.

Even after it was re-announced in May 2024 with a target enforcement date of 1 October, things remained rather lenient. Singaporean drivers without an activated VEP were simply issued a warning note on their way out. But now, the patience has worn thin.

If your vehicle is caught cruising into Malaysia without a valid VEP, brace yourself for a RM300 fine; that’s roughly S$91, and yes, it’s going cashless. Payments can be made via counters operated by Malaysia’s Road Transport Department (JPJ), its mobile service units, or online through the MyEG system.

However, there’s still a small reprieve for corporate car owners. If your Singapore-registered company vehicle is stuck in administrative limbo (having applied for the VEP but awaiting approval) you’ll be given a gentle reminder notice rather than a fine.

According to Mr Loke, many private company vehicles struggled with the pre-registration process due to “multiple steps and extensive company documentation.”

“We encourage all foreign vehicle owners to immediately register, install, and activate the RFID VEP tag to avoid any inconvenience,” Mr Loke added.

Go And Settle It

If you’re a Singaporean motorist, you can register for the VEP here. And if you’re not sure whether you’ve completed the process, maybe double-check that too. After all, the last thing you want after a satisfying JB roti canai breakfast is a hefty fine before dessert.

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Starting from September 22, Malaysia’s Road Transport Department (JPJ) will be adding two more locations in Johor for Singaporean vehicle owners to collect and install their Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) tags.

The new collection points, located at the Johor JPJ Complex in Taman Daya and the Road Transport Academy (Southern Region) in Larkin, are set to handle up to 800 and 400 vehicles per day, respectively.

This move comes as part of JPJ’s effort to streamline the process and reduce waiting times, complementing the existing collection centre at TCSens in Danga Bay, which has a capacity of 300 vehicles per day.

For Singaporean motorists driving into Malaysia, having a valid VEP is about to become non-negotiable.

From October 1, all foreign-registered vehicles entering Malaysia via land checkpoints will be required to have a valid VEP, which comes with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. 

This tag will help the authorities keep tabs on vehicles as they traverse Malaysia’s roads. Besides tracking, the VEP tag also doubles as a method for paying highway tolls and the RM20 (S$6) road charge when crossing the border.

Given the expected influx of applications, JPJ is taking proactive steps to smoothen the process. Since August 19, a MY VEP office has been operating in Woodlands to assist motorists who run into issues with their applications.

You can now also collect your RFID tag at the Woodlands office for $39, on top of the RM10 processing fee. However, do note that visits to the Woodlands office are strictly by appointment.

JPJ is encouraging all foreign vehicle owners to register, install, and activate their VEP tags as soon as possible to avoid any hiccups at the border.

Failure to do so could result in being denied entry into Malaysia or, worse, facing a fine of up to RM2,000.

Addresses for the new collection locations

1.  JPJ Johor: Kompleks JPJ, Taman Daya, 80990 Johor Bahru.
2. Road Transport Academy (Southern Region): Jalan Kebun Teh Lama, Larkin, 80250 Johor Bahru.

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Contact Details For VEP

It appears the long-awaited Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) for foreign vehicles entering Malaysia is making a comeback.

After years on the back burner, Malaysia’s Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, has announced a firm restart of the VEP enforcement beginning on 1 October 2024.

Introduced back in 2017, the VEP faced a rocky start, with full enforcement initially set for 2019 but delayed multiple times due to technical hitches with the installation of VEP-Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags.

These tags, unique and non-transferrable to each vehicle, are part of Malaysia’s effort to regulate the influx of foreign vehicles, aligning with the requirements under Section 66H of Malaysia’s Road Transport Act 1987.

Singaporeans are quite familiar with crossing into Malaysia and have been paying a Road Charge (RC) since November 2016. This charge applies to Singapore-registered cars entering through the Johor-Singapore Causeway or the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link, costing drivers RM20 (about $5.80) each time.

For those new or needing a refresher on the VEP, it’s managed online through Malaysia’s Road Transport Department at this website.

Here, drivers can register and eventually be issued the necessary VEP-RFID tags after an initial processing fee of RM10 (approximately $2.90). These tags are to be placed on the vehicle’s windscreen or left headlight, depending on the car model, and are valid for five years.

With enforcement on the horizon, drivers have around four months to register, get their tags, and ensure they’re compliant by the October deadline.

This upcoming change will apply to motorcyclists as well, though details on how the VEP will apply to them are still forthcoming.

It’s best to follow these regulations, to avoid any potential fines and enjoy smooth travels into Malaysia, especially with the VEP’s intent to streamline and secure vehicle entries into the country.

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When you think of Singaporeans going to Johor Bahru (JB), one might imagine indulging in the great food offerings there or unwinding with a massage. All whilst thinking about what strategy one might employ in order to fill up your vehicle with the most amount of fuel possible.

Hence, I’m pretty sure trekking through remote forests in the sand and mud isn’t usually on a typical agenda when one thinks of crossing the border. But, that’s exactly what Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) had planned – two days of offroading action in brand-new Land Rover Defenders. And boy was it a riot.

In order to mitigate any potential customs traffic jams, the convoy of Defender 90s and 110s (including the green 75th Anniversary Limited Edition Defender 110) set off bright and early from the Wearnes JLR showroom. 

A relatively short customs wait and some smooth tarmac later, we arrived at our breakfast halt – the Rainforest Tree House Cafe. A quaint little cafe with a charming facade, and on-brand with the ensuing off-road action that was soon to unfold.

With full tummies and a thirst for more driving action, the gang set off once more for the Anantara Resort in Desaru. But, instead of plying the smooth expressways like everyone else, JLR instead brought up there using a set of offroad trails.

These dirt roads were relatively trivial for the Defender, cutting through some of Malaysia’s oil palm plantations. The air-sprung independent suspension made quick work of the ground beneath us, and it felt like we were travelling on tarmac!

The Defender really comes into its own here, and the thing that surprises you most is its agility. The precise steering feel and the surprisingly well-controlled body always made you feel like you’re in control, regardless of surface.

Mind you, it does that with only a 2-litre pecker up front, pumping out 292hp and 400Nm of twisting force to all four wheels via an 8-speed transmission.

With some character mud stains pasted onto the Defender, we rejoined civilisation and completed the journey to our overnight halt.

The fun didn’t just stop there. After an enjoyable dinner and a relaxing night, it was back on the roads towards home, albeit with a stop by Tangga 7 for some hill-climbing shenanigans. It rained the night before too, so the grounds were all muddy and slippery, fun!

Unlike the previous day’s plantation roads, the Tangga 7 hill was a bigger challenge for the Defenders, having to face some rather narrow and slippery paths with steep slopes.

Even with road-biased tyres, these Defenders showcased their prowess as they conquered the challenging terrain. The all-wheel-drive system worked its magic, effortlessly distributing power to the appropriate wheels, ensuring a seamless journey without a hint of hesitation.

For the downhill bits, the Hill Descent Control function made it a breeze to maintain a safe and controlled speed while descending. It became abundantly clear that these vehicles can handle whatever challenges come their way, all without requiring an experienced driver. The cars themselves possess an innate intelligence that sets them apart.

With Tangga 7 hill behind us, it was time to return to Singapore. Here, the Defenders showcased their versatility. Unlike traditional off-roaders, the stability of these vehicles proved exemplary even at high speeds. Despite their impressive ground clearance, the Defenders instilled a sense of confidence and assurance as we cruised along the expressways.

Overall, our off-roading adventure was a captivating experience, filled with the thrills of conquering rugged terrain and the tranquillity of a beach-side resort. Such is the premise of the Land Rover Defender too, effortlessly demonstrating their exceptional off-road capabilities while providing a comfortable and enjoyable drive on the road.

A testament to the clever engineering behind these remarkable machines.

As we concluded our journey, the memories of our off-roading escapade remained etched in our minds. Land Rover has crafted a true masterpiece, a vehicle that excels in all environments and brings a sense of adventure to those who dare to explore.

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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