Singapore motorists relieved to have VEP ready ahead of July 1

Eager to stay on the right side of the law, many Singaporean motorists are glad to have their Malaysian Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) RFID tags ready ahead of the July 1 enforcement at the border.

Mr Kelvin Chan, 62, was relieved his VEP tag was finally fitted to his car during an appointment at the installation centre in Danga Bay here on June 4.

The retiree from Singapore said the registration process had taken six months as he initially failed to submit the correct documents.

"I am not very familiar with the internet, so there were some issues on my end. But once I gave the right documents, the VEP was issued promptly and I got my appointment date.

"I admit I was getting a bit worried previously as many of my friends who often come to Johor Baru for local food and short holidays have already got their VEP tags last year," he said.

Mr Chan said he left home early in the morning for his appointment.

However, just before reaching the Woodlands checkpoint, he realised he had forgotten the physical copy of the form.

"After turning back to pick it up, the rest of the journey went smoothly. On the way to Johor Baru, I heard the news that VEP enforcement will start on July 1.

"I am relieved I have it now," he said, adding that he plans to visit Johor Bahru more frequently, as he owns a condominium near the Causeway.

Another motorist who only wished to be known as Mohd Faizal, 39, is also glad that his appointment date to get his VEP tag fitted is coming up.

"I heard the summons for Singapore cars with no VEP is 300 ringgit (S$91).

"Although some might say the amount is not much after conversion from Singapore dollars, it is still money and I do not want to get fined for something that I can avoid," said the freelancer.

Singapore permanent resident Evelyn Lee, 40, is glad that the Malaysian government has given ample time before enforcement.

"When the VEP rule was announced in May last year, there were many Singapore-registered car owners who had rushed to get their tags done.

"I managed to get my VEP tag at the end of December, thanks to a reminder from my Malaysian relative," said the mother-of-three.

She travels to Malaysia frequently to visit family members in Johor, Melaka and Kuala Lumpur.

Ms Lee said the RFID tag, which is linked to her e-wallet, has also made VEP payment at the Immigration checkpoint more convenient as she does not have to wind down her window to tap at the machine.