S’pore vehicles barred from leaving Malaysia if VEP fines not paid; enforcement to go beyond Johor

Sign up now: Get STs newsletters delivered to your inbox

On Oct 21, Malaysian media reported that there were 3,910 writs of summons issued - which each cost RM300 - across three locations in Johor Bahru.

PHOTO: ST FILE

From Nov 15, drivers of foreign-owned vehicles lacking a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP),especially ones from Singapore, will not be allowed to leave Malaysia until they have paid outstanding fines.

Unlike previously, when enforcement was limited to private vehicles only, the new measure will also target company-owned vehicles, with fines to be imposed on those that do not possess a VEP, have an expired one, or are still in the midst of registering for the tag.

Malaysia’s Road Transport Department (JPJ) director-general Aedy Fadly Ramli announced this to local media on the evening of Oct 31, following an enforcement operation carried out at the Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex in Johor Bahru.

“Previously, our operations were confined to Johor, but they are now being expanded nationwide. Any Singapore-registered vehicle found without a VEP anywhere in Malaysia will be subject to enforcement action,” Malaysian news outlet Bernama quoted Datuk Aedy as saying.

He added that drivers who have been issued fines will not only have to settle them immediately, but also complete their VEP registration before leaving the country.

“This measure is intended to prevent any complications at the Malaysia-Singapore border,” he said.

The VEP tag, which is RFID-enabled, allows Malaysian authorities to identify foreign-registered vehicles on the country’s roads, and keep track of