ROAD BLOCK: Singapore Drivers Delayed at Malaysia Customs as VEP Checks Cause Long Waits
A Singapore Uncensored reader shared his frustrating experience crossing the border into Singapore after midnight, when he and many others were held up by Malaysian authorities conducting roadblocks to check Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) activation. The reader reported that vehicles were forced to queue near the Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex, unable to proceed to customs until the RTD officers completed their inspections.
This comes as Malaysia’s Road Transport Department (RTD) began full enforcement of the long-delayed VEP requirement starting today, 1 July 2025. Officers carried out the VEP Enforcement Special Operation in the early hours, stopping all vehicles exiting Malaysia to verify that their VEP Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags were activated. Those without an active VEP faced delays and, in some cases, fines.
Thousands of Singapore Vehicles at Risk of Fines
RTD director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli revealed during a press conference that, despite repeated reminders, a significant number of Singapore-registered cars remain unprepared. As of 29 June, 42,416 individual private vehicles – or 17.07 per cent of those issued VEP tags – had yet to activate their RFID tags. Of the 248,504 VEP tags issued to private cars, only 206,088 were activated. In contrast, all 3,765 company-owned vehicle tags were fully activated.
The reader described the chaotic scene as traffic built up at the checkpoint, with many drivers caught unaware that the enforcement had begun. Some motorists expressed frustration at the lack of advanced notice about the checks.
Authorities Urge Immediate Activation
Datuk Aedy stressed that enforcement is here to stay, and non-compliant drivers will face penalties or may even be denied passage at Malaysia’s land borders. He urged all Singaporean motorists who drive into Malaysia to ensure their VEP tags are activated without delay.
The VEP system is designed to identify foreign vehicles electronically using RFID technology at Malaysia’s land checkpoints, allowing authorities to regulate cross-border traffic, improve security, and ensure payment of road charges.
Don’t Risk Delays: Activate Your VEP
With tens of thousands of Singapore vehicles still lacking activated tags, regular commuters are advised to check their VEP status online or through official channels before attempting to cross. Search keywords such as “Malaysia VEP RFID activation”, “cross-border fines”, and “Johor Causeway traffic” can help drivers find the latest information.
As the Johor Bahru-Singapore Causeway remains one of the world’s busiest land crossings, proper VEP activation has become essential to avoid unnecessary fines and delays, especially during peak travel periods.