VEP enforcement begins - what every Singaporean driver needs to know

Let's be honest — if we're not eating, sleeping, studying, or working, you'll probably find us Singaporeans in Malaysia. And who can blame us? The sweet exchange rate, affordable shopping, and delicious food is just a short drive away. From day trips to Johor Bahru or longer trips up north to Kuala Lumpur and Genting, there's nothing quite like hitting the road for a mini getaway.
But before you rev your engine and make a dash for the checkpoint, it's important to equip yourself with the right knowledge to ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible. First up: Ensure that your vehicle has a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP).
Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably heard about Malaysia's Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) for foreign-registered vehicles. It's meant to help them track foreign cars, manage unpaid fines, and reduce stolen vehicles.
Since October 2024, Malaysia has required foreign-registered vehicles travelling in by land to have a VEP; however, VEP enforcement only began July 1, meaning that if you drive a Singapore-registered vehicle into JB without one, you face a fine of RM300 (S$91).
Ten Singapore-registered vehicles learnt this the hard way at midnight on July 1, when they were stopped for attempting to cross the border without a valid VEP. BTW, vehicles without active VEPs also kena summon, so don't forget to activate yours after it's been approved!
Although the full enforcement of the VEP has been delayed past Oct 2024, you still need to get yours sorted ASAP. If not, you could face a fine of up to RM2,000 (around $650) or worse, up to six months in jail. Don't say I never warn you ah — faster go and do!
Don't worry, applying for the VEP is quite straightforward:
Before heading out, make sure all your essential travel documents are in order. Aside from your VEP, this means your passport (obviously!).
If you're using Touch 'n Go (TnG) or RFID for toll payments, make sure they're activated and topped up. Nothing more paiseh than holding up the queue at the toll because your balance is empty or you forgot to set it up!
Here's another pro tip: always check that your car is ready for the journey. Under Singapore law, your petrol tank needs to be at least three-quarters full before crossing the border.
If you're going on a longer road trip, ensure your tyres are properly inflated, your spare tyre is good to go, and you've got all your emergency tools on standby. Malaysia's highways can feel endless with limited stops, so better safe than sorry.
This probably goes without saying, but if you want to avoid the legendary jams, plan to travel during off-peak times. This means weekends (especially long weekends), public holidays, and school holidays are no-go. If you're feeling extra kiasu, you can always check a live stream of the Causeway and Second Link online before you set off.
Congrats — you've made it past customs! Now you're ready to hit the roads of Malaysia. It can be a bit intimidating, especially for first-timers, but there's no need to worry. With some prep and common sense, you'll be cruising in no time.
It's tempting to throw all your shopping bags, electronics, or other stuff into the backseat and leave them there, but don't lah! Especially at rest stops or in parking lots, keep your belongings hidden in the glove compartment or take them with you. Don't leave anything in plain sight.
Malaysian drivers can be a bit more, let's say, adventurous compared to what we're used to in Singapore, thus it's important to drive defensively. If you're looking to chill a bit and drive at a leisurely pace, stick to the left lane on major highways such as the North-South Highway (NSH), where the right lane tends to be for speedier drivers.
Always park in well-lit, secure areas such as shopping malls or car parks with CCTV and security guards to minimise the chances of incidents happening. My golden rule? If a place looks dodgy, just avoid it altogether.
It might seem overkill to some, but I always like the peace of mind that comes with using a steering wheel lock. It's an extra layer of security, especially if you're parking overnight.
On long trips along major highways such as the NSH, Rest & Relax (R&R) stops are a lifesaver. They offer food, snacks, restrooms, and sometimes even petrol stations where you can refuel and recharge. You'll find plenty to makan from local delights to fast food options. Some stops even have suraus for prayers. A quick stop will keep you alert and energised for the journey ahead.
Take it from someone who has gotten lost on Malaysian highways before, I cannot stress how much relying on my GPS has saved my bacon on the roads. Whether it's Google Maps or Waze, GPS is your best friend and will help you avoid getting lost or missing crucial exits. It's also super useful for rerouting around unexpected traffic jams or finding the nearest R&R stop. Mai gei kiang, let technology help you.
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This article was first published in Wonderwall.sg.