Malaysia steps up full-scale enforcement as RM1.39 million in fines issued since July 1.
Malaysia’s Road Transport Department (RTD/JPJ) has intensified Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) enforcement at the Johor–Singapore land borders, issuing 4,634 summonses to Singapore-registered vehicles since 1 July.
Thousands Fined for Invalid or Unregistered VEPs
From 1 July to 21 November, RTD inspected 65,039 foreign vehicles across the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI), Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar (KSAB), and surrounding Johor Bahru areas. Of these, 4,634 Singapore-registered vehicles were issued summonses worth RM1.39 million (S$436,400). Violations included driving without VEP registration, holding expired VEPs, or remaining in a pre-registration status.
RM300 Fine for Entering Malaysia Without Valid VEP
Foreign vehicles entering Malaysia without a valid and activated VEP face a RM300 (S$94) fine. Under Section 66J of the Road Transport Act 1987, drivers must settle their fines before exiting Malaysia. Authorities reiterated that Singapore motorists lacking valid VEPs will not be allowed to leave the country until payment and registration are completed.
Full-Scale Enforcement Rolled Out Nationwide
Since 15 November, JPJ has expanded its enforcement operations across Malaysia, moving beyond Johor checkpoints to catch non-compliant foreign vehicles anywhere in the country. Between 15–20 November alone, 159 summonses were issued to vehicles still in pre-registration status.
Flexible Payment and Registration Options for Motorists
To help streamline compliance, RTD allows foreign drivers to settle fines and complete VEP registration through multiple channels, including JPJ counters, mobile units, Danga Bay’s VEP centre, and the myEG app. The system aims to reduce congestion at checkpoints while ensuring all foreign vehicles meet legal requirements.
RFID Tag Activation Continues to Rise
RTD reported that 345,238 RFID tags have been issued, with more than 292,000 active for individual vehicles. However, a significant number—over 24,000 across individual and company-owned vehicles—remain inactive, suggesting ongoing challenges in onboarding all Singapore motorists.
A Reminder After Nine Months of Grace Period
Malaysia formally introduced mandatory VEP in October last year but delayed full enforcement to July 2025 to give Singapore drivers nine months to comply. Authorities now stress that continued non-compliance will result in penalties, delays at checkpoints, and mandatory fine settlement before departure.
As cross-border travel between Singapore and Johor intensifies, Malaysia’s strict VEP enforcement underscores the need for smoother regulatory compliance. For both Singaporean and Malaysian motorists, the latest crackdown highlights the importance of staying updated on border procedures to avoid fines, delays, and travel disruptions.
Sources: New Straits Times (2025) , Must Share News (2025)
Keywords: VEP Fines Singapore, Johor Enforcement Operation, RTD Summons, Malaysia Road Transport Act, Border Compliance, RFID Tag Activation
