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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I’ve done the northbound road trip to Malaysia more times than I care to admit, sometimes for the scenery, sometimes for the satay, and almost always with the silent mission to “beat the GPS estimate”.

But this particular trip was different. This Audi-led drive wasn’t about making good time. It was about making good kilometres, a fuel efficiency challenge stretching from Singapore to Ipoh, and looping back to Kuala Lumpur.

No gimmicks. Just one car, one tank, and a surprisingly competitive bunch of automotive journalists with too much pride and too little sleep.

Flag-Off at Dawn and the Battle of the A/C

We began, as all sensible efficiency drives do, at an ungodly 5am, flagged off at Shell Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim. My co-driver for this journey was James from Oneshift, armed with caffeine, caution, and the quiet hope that the air-conditioning would stay on.

Fortunately for him (and our friendship), I was determined to keep it on as well; low fan speed, Eco mode, windows up.

Our competitors? Far braver. Or madder. They have opted to go the entire way without A/C. Windows up. Cabin sealed. The car effectively became a convection oven with leather upholstery.

Major respect, though I’m fairly certain at least one member emerged from their car medium-rare afterwards.

We, on the other hand, kept things civilised. Tyres inflated to near bursting, trip computer reset, pep talk given.

We figured we needed our belongings for check-in, too, so no unnecessary luggage or cabin dumping was conducted. Just good, honest efficiency.

Meet the Machine

The car we were preparing to set off in was the Audi A3 1.5 TFSI. Showroom stock and untouched, save for a full tank of fuel. Its secret weapon was a refined mild hybrid system, a clever coasting mode, and an uncanny ability to sip fuel like a polite guest at a wedding tea ceremony.

From the get-go, the A3 impressed. Even without engaging the Efficiency mode, it was eager to slip into coasting, the revs dropping like a well-timed mic. Within the first hour, we were already seeing fuel figures north of 20km/litre.

Acceleration was measured. Braking, minimal. Speeds hovered around 70–80km/h, torturous in a country where 110km/h is legal and tempting. But in the pursuit of consumption glory, restraint is the real flex.

Snacks, Sun, and Surprises

To keep our spirits up, we turned to a predictable playlist of cheesy pop hits and suspiciously preserved snacks. James even rewarded himself with a Ramly burger, half for sustenance, half for morale. Stopping was rare; momentum was precious.

Even with the sun climbing and temperatures rising, the A3 soldiered on without complaint. Eco mode air-conditioning set at 26 degrees kept us cool enough, and more importantly, it didn’t seem to punish us fuel-wise. Quite the opposite, in fact. The further we went, the better our consumption got.

Credit where due, Audi’s mild hybrid system is leagues smoother than its predecessor. Engine stop-starts were barely perceptible, and noise levels stayed muted throughout.

Up North to Ipoh

The journey towards Kuala Lumpur was relatively smooth, but as soon as we hit the big capital of Malaysia, our efficiency took a hit thanks to traffic congestion. It was tempting to weave through traffic, but keeping our dainty little A3 behind larger vehicles was always going to be better for efficiency.

After tackling suburban sprawl, expressway monotony, and the barrage of impatient lorry drivers wondering why we were the slowest moving thing that morning, we approached Ipoh after almost 9 hours of driving, fatigued, famished, but proud. The GPS said we’d arrive early. It lied.

Turns out, when you’re trundling along well below the posted limit, that ETA shrinks faster than your enthusiasm in a jam. We rolled in with 15 minutes to spare.

Just enough time to marvel at the ingenious optimisations our rival team had done to their car; they taped their A3 to within an inch of its life in a bid to reduce drag.

The Plot Twist

Ah, but the journey wasn’t done. You see, this was a tag-team challenge. From Ipoh to St. Regis Kuala Lumpur, our teammates who first took the Audi A5 (used in a concurrent photography challenge) took over the A3, while we, blessedly, took over their air-conditioned lounge for photography duties.

Did our teammates stop for a break as scheduled? No. Rather, instead of heading straight to the pre-determined lunch spot, they instead opted to head straight for the final meeting point at the hotel, and doubled back for food in the A5 after we picked them up.

Why? Because why waste fuel when the competition’s this tight?

So, Who Won?

Let’s be real – our stock, weighted, and air-conditioned A3 was never going to win the other team, and they deserve every inch of victory for braving the sweltering heat in their makeshift aerodynamic sauna.

The question now is, how close were the two teams?

Here’s where it gets interesting. After more than 750 kilometres of driving with luggage, functioning air-conditioning, and two moderately sleep-deprived adults onboard, our A3 returned 26.689km/litre.

The winning team, in their minimalist, A/C-free chariot of sweat and sheer willpower? 27.645km/litre. That’s a difference of just under 1km/litre.

Was the heat worth it for the other team? Absolutely, they walked home with a stack of vouchers and smiles, and you’ve got to hand it to them for going through the“torture”.

But, for all the efforts to strip weight and endure tropical self-basting, we came within touching distance using… creature comforts, which proves an interesting point. Modern cars like the Audi A3 are absurdly efficient by default. You don’t need to turn your car into a wind tunnel or sacrifice sanity to go the distance.

The A3 was composed, capable, and criminally efficient, even under real-world, real-human conditions. It proved that range doesn’t have to come at the expense of ride, refinement, or the divine blessing that is air-conditioning.

Photo Credits: Al Han (@sgcarshooter)

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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

Previously, drivers could either collect their tag from Johor Bahru or opt to have it delivered by post. Now, TCSens is offering a pickup option at their Woodlands office.

The collection point is located at 186 Woodlands Industrial Park E5, on the third floor, and the whole service will cost you S$39.

You did not read that wrong. Plus, the $39 is on top of the RM10 (S$2.98) charge for the tag itself.

TCSens, the vendor appointed by Malaysia’s Road Transport Department (JPJ) to handle VEP queries from Singapore drivers, shared the details on Tuesday (Sep 3). They confirmed that the collection at the Woodlands location would start from September 12 2024.

In terms of the process, it seems pretty straightforward. Most drivers who go to collect their tag at the Woodlands centre will receive the windscreen RFID version. But if your windscreen isn’t suitable for whatever reason, they’ll issue the headlamp version of the RFID tag instead.

This is similar to the procedure at the VEP collection centre in Johor Bahru’s Danga Bay, for those of you familiar with the process over there.

If you’re thinking of opting for the delivery route instead, it’s worth noting that most drivers who receive their tag by post in Singapore typically get the version meant for installation on the headlamp.

If you don’t have your VEP tag by October 1 and you try to enter Malaysia, be prepared to face fines of up to RM2,000 (about US$425) or a potential jail term of up to six months.

As of now, the clock is ticking for all of us who drive across the border, so it’s probably a good idea to get that appointment sorted.

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Contact Details For VEP

TCSens, the private vendor chosen by JPJ, will handle all things VEP – from applying for the permit to displaying the RFID tag on cars.

Why a New Office?

While TCSens has been running a centre in Danga Bay, Johor Bahru, the recent announcement by Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke has led to a surge in visitors. 

From October 1, foreign-registered vehicles entering Johor from Singapore must have a VEP, or face fines or entry bans.

During his visit to the Danga Bay centre on August 1, Mr Loke noted the increasing activity and the need for a Woodlands counter. He mentioned that this new centre would operate in collaboration with Singapore partners and that a hotline, active for 16 hours daily, would be available for inquiries.

Since the May 28 announcement, the Danga Bay centre has been packed, a stark contrast to its quieter days over the past two years. The VEP system, initially announced in 2017, faced delays in 2019 and 2020 due to issues with the RFID tag installation and registration.

To meet the demand, TCSens plans to extend its operating hours into the night, hiring more staff to manage the influx. Mr Loke reported that the Transport Ministry has received 58,791 applications through the portal and physical counters, with a notable spike in the last two months. An additional 50,000 motorists are expected to apply before the October deadline.

Common Challenges

Many motorists have shared their struggles with the VEP application process. Those who visited the Danga Bay centre often resolved their issues and received their tags the same day.

From October 1, enforcement will be strict. More than 80% of the 18,000 cars entering Johor’s checkpoints daily currently do so without a VEP. Mr Loke plans another inspection in early October to ensure compliance. Motorists must activate their VEP-RFID tag within seven days of receiving it. If they forget, they can reactivate it via the application portal, similar to requesting a new OTP for banking transactions.

Mr Loke emphasised that this measure aims to ensure compliance, not to deter foreign drivers. “We welcome Singaporeans to JB to spend and boost the economy. They just need to abide by the laws,” he added.

Well, let’s hope his side of the bargain on efficiency and implementation remains true.

Photo Credits: fotoBERNAMA & The Straits Times

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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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If your holiday plans involve cruising in your Tesla up to Malaysia, we’ve got some juicy news that’ll make your journey a whole lot smoother. Tesla just launched a spanking new Supercharging station right smack in Malacca, precisely at the Freeport A’Famosa Outlet.

With four Superchargers and one Destination Charger, it’s like a power hub for Tesla owners making cross-country escapades between Malaysia and our sunny island, Singapore.

Let’s talk numbers, shall we? These Superchargers are no joke. We’re talking peak charging speeds in excess of 250kW. Translation? Your Model 3 gets a whopping 282km of range in just 15 minutes. That’s like sipping on an espresso and getting a full charge. 

Now, I know what you’re thinking. How much is this power pit stop going to cost you? It’s a steal at RM1.25/kWh for Supercharging. But, if you’re chilling at the station and it’s chock-full, there’s a small RM4.00/minute idle fee.

And it’s open 24/7, so whether you’re a night owl or an early bird, your Tesla can juice up whenever you please. Just zoom over to Freeport A’Famosa Outlet, Jalan Kemus/Sempang Ampat, 78000 Alor Gajah, Melaka, Malaysia.

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