JOHOR BAHRU: Exciting Development for Singapore Vehicle Owners

Malaysia is set to open two new Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) tag installation centres this Sunday (September 22). This initiative, announced by the Road Transport Department (JPJ), will significantly increase the nation's installation capacity, allowing up to 1,500 VEP tags to be processed daily—a remarkable five-fold increase!

New Centre Locations

The newly established centres will be located at the Road Transport Academy in Jalan Kebun Teh Lama, Larkin, and the Johor State Road Transport Department JPJ Complex in Taman Daya. These centres will accommodate up to 400 and 800 vehicles respectively each day, addressing the mounting demands from Singaporean vehicle owners who must complete their VEP registration and installation as the October 1 deadline looms.

Streamlining the VEP Registration Process

JPJ emphasized that this move is designed to streamline the VEP RFID (radio frequency identification) tag registration process, enabling smoother access for those who have pre-registered online. With ongoing concerns from vehicle owners facing hurdles during registration—such as difficulties with online payments and complications with second-hand vehicle deregistration—the new centres aim to alleviate traffic congestion and long wait times that have characterized existing installations.

Current Installation Challenges

Currently, the TCSens office in Danga Bay is the sole collection point in Johor, managing only 300 installations a day. In contrast, the sole centre in Singapore, located in Woodlands, has struggled to meet demand, often serving only those with prior appointments due to overwhelming requests.

Response to Application Influx

The new facilities are a crucial response to the influx of applications, particularly shortly after the Woodlands centre opened on August 19. The centre initially installed just 20 VEP tags on its first day but is ramping up to a daily capacity of 100 to 150 tags by mid-October—well past the anticipated increase in demand.

Importance of VEP Tags for Cross-Border Travel

With the Johor-Singapore Causeway being one of the busiest border crossings in the world, serving approximately 300,000 daily crossings, it's essential for vehicle owners to secure their VEP tags to avoid hefty penalties. As Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke has warned, foreign-registered vehicles entering Malaysia from Singapore without VEPs may face fines up to RM2,000 (approximately USD 475) or even imprisonment for up to six months.

Encouraging VEP Registration

In anticipation of the expected surge in registration, the JPJ is urging all foreign vehicle owners to register, install, and activate their RFID VEP tags to ensure a hassle-free experience when traveling between Malaysia and Singapore.

Conclusion: A Smoother Travel Experience?

Could this be the start of a smoother travel experience for thousands of daily commuters? Stay tuned as we keep you updated on this developing story!