SINGAPORE/JOHOR BAHRU — Long queues formed at Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) application centers on both sides of the Singapore-Malaysia border following Malaysia's announcement that enforcement will begin on July 1, leaving many motorists scrambling to meet the deadline.

The sudden surge comes after Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke revealed on June 4 that Singapore-registered vehicles entering without a valid VEP will face RM300 (S$91) fines starting next month. Drivers must settle the penalty and complete registration before exiting Malaysia.

On June 5, crowds descended upon service centers in Woodlands and Johor Bahru's Danga Bay, with many struggling with online registration or RFID tag activation issues. The radio frequency identification tags are mandatory for toll payments at Malaysian expressways and border checkpoints.

The Woodlands center operated by My VEP saw about 40 people queuing within just one hour after opening. Those without prior appointments were turned away despite urgent needs. Meanwhile, over sixty frustrated motorists waited at Danga Bay's walk-in center operated by TCSens - Malaysia's official VEP vendor.

"I've been trying to transfer my car's existing VEP from the previous owner since morning," said Latiff Saleh, a 64-year-old Singaporean who left empty-handed after being denied entry without appointment. Like many others, he found himself caught between technical glitches and overwhelming demand following last-minute policy enforcement.

The announcement marks Malaysia's third attempt since 2017 to implement this requirement after two previous postponements in 2019 and 2020. While introduced in October2024,the government had only issued reminders until now.

"This is very troublesome," complained Mr.Chong,a76-year old retiree whose October application was rejected over missing documents.He never received follow up communication until suddenly facing July enforcement."They keep changing their mind," echoed Esther Chua50who discovered her previously issued RFID tag couldn't properly fit her vehicle p > < p > With231018Singapore vehicles already registered according transport ministry figures15percent still need activate tags.The unexpected rush has overwhelmed service providers.TCSens staff reported assisting100motorists by afternoon compared typical daily average130over past months.Appointment slots Woodlands filled through June20within hours announcement p > < img alt = 'Sign showing appointment requirement outside Woodlands office June5PHOTOStraitsTimes'data caption='A sign informing applicants need appointments seen outsideV EPofficeWoodlandsonJune5
PHOTO :TheStraitsTimes 'height986src=https//assetsdoitmelinkicon273129838628310327pngwidth1463data entitytype fileuuid42ace61206824 c31a14509bf61cb7286 /> < p > Entrepreneurial services offering skip queue applications report unprecedented demand.Derrick Heng director RadiantV EPsaid inquiries jumped30June4from typical10daily earlier year.Jason Koay accounting firm handling50applicationsJune5versus two three previously through Carousell ads P > < P > TC Sens spokesperson urged immediate action anticipating further application surges across four Johor Bahru Singapore centers reminding motorists properly install activateRFIDtags avoid travel disruptions comeJuly deadline P >