Malaysian authorities adopt a zero-tolerance approach as enforcement starts at Johor checkpoints.

Since July 1, nearly 1,500 Singaporean drivers have been fined for entering Johor without the mandatory Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) tag. Malaysian transport authorities are now taking strict enforcement measures with no room for warnings.

1,489 Drivers Fined in One Month

The Johor Road Transport Department (JPJ) revealed that 1,489 summonses have been issued to Singapore-registered vehicles that entered Johor without an activated VEP tag between July 1 and August 2, 2025. Each offence incurred a fine of approximately RM300 (S$91), totaling over RM445,800 (S$135,980).

JPJ Senior Enforcement Director Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan said enforcement has been carried out rigorously since July 1, following Malaysia’s decision to fully implement the VEP system at the land border with Singapore.

From Advocacy to Enforcement

Originally slated to begin in October 2024, the VEP enforcement deadline was delayed and officially confirmed on June 4, 2025, by Malaysia’s Transport Minister, Anthony Loke. Despite months of public outreach, many drivers claimed they were unaware of the enforcement, believing the system was still in its awareness phase.

“We are taking firm action with zero tolerance. No more warnings,” Kifli said during an operation at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar, which connects to Singapore’s Woodlands Checkpoint.

Zero Tolerance, On-the-Spot Fines

JPJ has adopted a strict no-excuse approach. Offenders are required to pay the fine immediately and activate their VEP tag on the spot. Officers are equipped with mobile devices to verify the validity of each VEP.

“There was only one driver who initially refused to comply,” Kifli noted. “But when we moved to seize the vehicle, the driver paid the fine and completed the registration process.”

Ongoing Inspections and Compliance

As of July 31, 277,930 VEP tags had been issued to Singapore-registered vehicles, up from 268,194 in late June. JPJ officers have inspected 14,379 vehicles across Johor’s two major land entry points and several other strategic locations during the 33-day operation, with about 90% of vehicles found compliant.

The department confirmed that enforcement operations will continue without pause, particularly at hotspots frequented by Singaporean motorists. No exact locations were disclosed.

Consequences for Non-Compliance

Malaysian authorities emphasize the importance of registering and activating VEP tags to avoid unnecessary delays or fines at the border. With operations scaling up, drivers without valid tags may face immediate penalties, vehicle seizure threats, or further restrictions on cross-border access.

Malaysia’s full enforcement of the VEP system signals a major shift in cross-border regulations. With nearly 1,500 drivers penalized in just one month, it’s clear that the Malaysian government is serious about compliance. For Singaporeans and Indonesians alike, this serves as a timely reminder of the growing importance of proper documentation in cross-border mobility and regional transport governance.

Sources: Straits Times (2025) , Mothership (2025)

Keywords: Vehicle Entry Permit, VEP Fines, Johor Checkpoint, Singapore Vehicles, JPJ Enforcement, Malaysia Border Rules