As VEP takes effect, those entering M’sia without it will be slapped with a fine

JOHOR BARU: Singaporean Muham­mad Zulhadis Zulkifli used to drive across the Causeway on a weekly basis for leisure.

But yesterday, he got a rude shock when he was stopped for entering without a valid Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP).

For this, Muhammad Zulhadis had to fork out RM300 to settle the fine on the spot.

The 38-year-old, who was travelling with his friends, claimed that he had submitted an application in mid-May for his new car but did not receive any confirmation from the authorities.

“I assumed that my registration was successful and decided to drive in past midnight,” he said.

He added that he was also left in a bind because not only did he have to pay the fine, he was also requi­red to get the VEP installed if he planned to drive back to Singa­pore.

“I went to the VEP centre in Danga Bay to get the registration done. Luckily, the centre is open 24 hours,” he said.

Muhammad Zulhadis, who works in the private sector, said he had followed the procedure in the past for his old car and urged other Singaporeans to check the latest rules before entering Malay­sia.

“You need to know the proper procedure,” he said when met after paying the summons issued by a Road Transport Department (JPJ) officer.

Another driver, who wished to be known only as Yeo, 34, was also slapped with a RM300 fine for a similar offence.

He said his firm had previously informed him that company- registered vehicles were not required to register for the VEP, which led him to cross the border to have dinner.

“My company registered for the VEP but we did not receive any update. I thought enforcement was only for private vehicles, but now, I found out that all vehicles are required to do so,” he said.

Adi Sharif, 27, had no problem driving into Johor as he had registered and activated the VEP back in February.

“The system was smooth and the application process was easy.

“Maybe some people find it difficult because they are not fami­liar with the system yet.

“The staff was helpful. I believe the strict enforcement shows that Malaysia is serious about road safety,” he said.

Meawnhile, JPJ officers issued a total of 49 summonses and 28 warning notices at two land checkpoints since the enforcement for the radio frequency identification (RFID) activation and VEP requirement came into effect yesterday.

JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said, “The VEP is mandatory for all foreign-registered vehicles entering Malaysia via land through the southern border.

“Motorists caught without an activated VEP are issued a RM300 fine on the spot and barred from exiting the country until they have paid their summonses.

“Enforcement is currently focu­sed on areas with high foreign vehicle presence in Johor, before we expand it to other states,” he said.

He added that JPJ mobile units have been stationed at key locations to help motorists activate their VEP and settle fines on the spot.

Activation centres are also operating 24 hours at Danga Bay in Johor Baru and Woodlands in Singapore.

“Motorists can also activate the VEP or pay fines through JPJ counters or via the MyEG online portal. These options are provided to avoid congestion and ensure a smoother process at border checkpoints,” said Aedy Fadly.

He also said 206,088 private vehicles and 3,765 company-owned vehicles have activated the RFID VEP tags as of June 29.

A total of 42,416 private vehicles have yet to complete the process, while 9,690 company vehicles are still in the pre-registration phase.

He said only vehicles without activated VEP were targeted for now, while unpaid police or JPJ summonses would be addressed at a later stage.

“Most Singaporeans have complied and we welcome them here.

“Just as Malaysians respect Singapore’s laws, we expect the same in return,” he added.