JPJ cracks down with zero-tolerance enforcement at Singapore-Malaysia land border
More than 1,400 Singaporean motorists have been fined in Johor for failing to install the mandatory Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) tag—just a month after Malaysia began full-scale enforcement.
The Road Transport Department (JPJ) of Johor revealed that between 1 July and 31 July 2025, a total of 1,489 fines were issued to Singapore-registered vehicles entering Malaysia without valid VEP tags. The enforcement drive has so far netted RM445,800 (approximately S$135,980) in penalties, according to JPJ Senior Enforcement Director Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan.
Each offence incurred an average fine of RM300 (S$91), with on-the-spot payment required. The JPJ made it clear: there is no longer any grace period or room for ignorance.
“I didn’t know” no longer an excuse
About 10% of the 14,379 vehicles inspected during the month-long operation were found to be non-compliant. When stopped, many drivers claimed they were unaware that enforcement had started, wrongly assuming the government was still in its advocacy or educational phase.
The Malaysian authorities, however, were not moved by these excuses. The enforcement began with zero tolerance on 1 July after months of public announcements. Initially slated for October 2024, the VEP requirement was postponed multiple times, with the final deadline confirmed by Transport Minister Anthony Loke in June 2025.
“There will be no more warnings,” Muhammad Kifli stated firmly. “We are enforcing the law in full.”
In one instance, a motorist initially refused to cooperate, only giving in when officers threatened to impound the vehicle. The driver then promptly paid the fine and registered for the VEP tag.
More VEP tags issued, enforcement to continue
Since enforcement began, over 9,700 new VEP tags have been issued, bringing the total to 277,930 for Singapore-registered vehicles. The JPJ emphasised that inspections would continue “until further notice” at all major checkpoints and hotspots frequently used by Singaporean drivers.
Authorities also reminded the public that Malaysian law requires all foreign vehicles to be registered with the VEP system for tracking and security purposes. The digital tag, linked to a vehicle’s number plate, is part of Malaysia’s long-term strategy to regulate traffic flow and enhance cross-border accountability.
What Singapore drivers should know
For Singaporeans planning a road trip to Johor or beyond, the message is clear: get your VEP tag or risk hefty fines at the border. With weekend travel to Malaysia remaining popular for shopping, food and leisure, many drivers could find themselves caught off guard.
To register, motorists must apply online at the Malaysian Transport Ministry’s VEP portal and schedule a collection appointment for the RFID tag. Activation is required before crossing the border.
Given the current crackdown, non-compliance could result in immediate financial penalties—and potential seizure of vehicles for repeated offenders.