Malaysia has made refinements in VEP application process, but room for improvement remains, say analysts

JOHOR BAHRU: With around two months to go before Malaysia’s Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) enforcement deadline, complaints among Singaporean drivers over the application process remain unabated, with industry observers telling CNA that there is still room for improvement. 

At the same time, these observers called for Singapore drivers who have expressed frustration over the process to exercise more patience and realise that the administrative system may not be as efficient and intuitive as what they are used to on their side of the Causeway. 

Following the news that Malaysia would implement the mandatory VEP for all foreign vehicles entering the country, CNA received around a dozen emailed queries from readers highlighting issues they faced in the registration process.

This came off the back of the Malaysian government’s announcement confirming that the VEP initiative will be enforced from Oct 1 and an FAQ released by Malaysia’s Road Transport Department (JPJ) spelling out requirements as well as steps drivers need to take to complete the registration process. 

The process involves submitting particulars on a portal and fitting a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag on the car, which can be posted to the driver’s address in Singapore. 

Many drivers who spoke to CNA expressed frustration with the uncertainty and challenges. They have also spoken out about the long waiting times they have experienced when attempting to contact Malaysian authorities. 

Some had recently bought a used car but were unable to register for VEP as their car was registered under a previous owner. Other drivers were concerned that they would have to share personal documents such as a copy of their identity card and the vehicle’s certificate of