PUTRAJAYA – After years of delays, Malaysia will finally implement strict enforcement measures against Singapore-registered vehicles entering the country without a valid Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) starting July 1, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced on June 4.

The long-awaited move comes eight years after the policy was first introduced in 2017. The implementation faced multiple postponements—first in 2019 and again in 2020—but authorities are now moving forward with full enforcement.

Loke emphasized that foreign private vehicle owners have had sufficient time to register since May 2024. Drivers caught without a valid VEP will face an immediate RM300 (S$91) fine. "Foreign motorists issued a summons must settle the penalty before leaving Malaysia," Loke stated during a press briefing at the Transport Ministry headquarters in Putrajaya. Additionally, they must complete VEP registration before departure.

According to official figures, over 231,018 privately owned Singapore-registered vehicles have already enrolled in the VEP system. However, about 15% still need to activate their RFID tags. An additional 2,660 corporate-owned vehicles have also been tagged.

The minister had previously set an October 1 deadline for mandatory VEP compliance but delayed enforcement until now. During the interim period, offenders received only warnings reminding them to apply for permits.

The RFID-based system enables Malaysian authorities to monitor foreign vehicles and ensure outstanding traffic fines are paid before exiting national borders. A similar framework is under development for Thai-registered vehicles entering from southern border crossings.