In the first five days of enforcing its Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) requirement, Malaysia has collected a total of RM57,000 (around S$17,200) in fines from Singapore-registered vehicles crossing into Johor Bahru. According to Malaysian news outlet Bernama, 190 summonses were issued during this initial period.
The new regulations, which took full effect on 1 July 2025, require drivers of all foreign-registered vehicles entering Malaysia to have a valid VEP. Motorists without it face a fine of RM300 (about S$90) per offence. This initiative aims to improve the management of cross-border traffic flow and strengthen enforcement of road transport laws for foreign vehicles.
The first hour of enforcement alone saw 10 Singaporean drivers fined, highlighting how many motorists were still unprepared for the new requirements.
Johor Police Inspections & Smooth Enforcement So Far
Johor police director Azmil Zainal Adnan reported that officers inspected 1,767 vehicles in the first five days, with 94 drivers issued warning notices instead of fines. He said enforcement efforts have gone “smoothly” since the rollout began.
Drivers issued with summonses must pay their fines and register for the VEP before being allowed to leave Malaysia. Without a valid VEP, Singaporean vehicles risk not only fines but also potential delays at the border when returning home.
The Malaysian government first announced full VEP enforcement would start on 1 October 2024 but postponed the date to 1 July 2025. Enforcement officially kicked in just after midnight on 1 July.
How to Register for the VEP & Install the RFID Tag
Singaporean motorists who haven’t yet registered for the VEP should begin the process immediately. Registration requires a range of documents including NRIC and passport details, road tax records, vehicle specifications, Certificate of Entitlement (COE), and valid insurance information.
First, drivers must download the Touch ‘n Go app, which will be used for payments linked to the VEP-RFID tag. Next, registration should be completed through Malaysia’s official VEP portal at vep.jpj.gov.my. The account needs to be verified by email before uploading the required documents, and confirmation may take several days or weeks.
Once approved, drivers will receive details on where and when to collect the VEP-RFID tag, which costs RM10 (about S$2.87) for self-collection in Johor or significantly more for delivery. The RFID tag should be installed on a flat surface of the vehicle at least 5cm from the car’s metal frame — the left headlamp or left side of the windscreen is recommended.
Tag Activation & Important Reminders for Singapore Drivers
After installation, drivers must take a photo of the VEP-RFID tag together with the car’s licence plate and upload it to the VEP management portal to activate the tag. Once activated, the tag will be valid for five years, but it becomes invalid once the vehicle is sold or ownership changes.
In such cases, it is the responsibility of the previous owner to deregister the tag. If the previous owner cannot be reached, the new owner should contact Malaysia’s Road Transport Department for assistance. Singaporean motorists should also note that changing vehicles requires applying for a new VEP-RFID tag.
This rigorous process underscores Malaysia’s commitment to controlling cross-border traffic, ensuring safety, and enforcing road regulations on foreign vehicles entering its territory.