The Malaysian government has announced that all foreign-registered vehicles entering Malaysia from Singapore by land via the Causeway and Second Link will need a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) from October 1, 2024. The VEP, which is renewable every five years, was initially announced in 2017.
Motorists can sign up online to register the vehicle, owner, and driver details. Car owners can also have a representative register on their behalf. Registrants will receive a confirmation email once the information is verified. The confirmation email is to be presented at designated VEP collection counters in Johor Bahru to secure the VEP-RFID tags. The processing fee of the VEP tag is RM10 (S$2.87).
Malaysia currently charges foreign-registered private cars RM20 each time they enter Malaysia. Motorcyclists are exempted from the VEP requirement.
The latest announcement regarding the restarting of the VEP initiative came from Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke at a press conference in Putrajaya on May 28. The scheme will apply to vehicles entering Johor’s checkpoints at the Sultan Iskandar Building and Sultan Abu Bakar Complex.
Previously, in April 2019, the Malaysia government announced that it would enforce mandatory registration for foreign vehicles from Singapore starting from October 1 that year. However, in January 2020, the system was put on hold, as more time was needed to figure out a way for easier installation of the VEP-RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag.
The scheme was supposed to account for the number of foreign vehicles entering Malaysia, and to prevent car theft. The Malaysian government hopes that the VEP system will help to reduce traffic congestion and improve border security.
The implementation of the VEP system is expected to affect the daily commute of thousands of Singaporeans who travel to Johor Bahru for work, leisure, or shopping. The Malaysian government has assured that the VEP system will be implemented in a way that is convenient and efficient for motorists.
In conclusion, the Malaysian government has announced that all foreign-registered vehicles entering Malaysia from Singapore by land via the Causeway and Second Link will need a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) from October 1, 2024. The VEP system is expected to improve border security and reduce traffic congestion. Motorists are advised to register their vehicles online and secure the VEP-RFID tags at designated collection counters in Johor Bahru.