Full VEP enforcement nets 190 offences in just five days at Malaysia–Singapore land entry points

Malaysia’s Road Transport Department (JPJ) has ramped up enforcement at the Johor-Singapore border, issuing over RM57,000 in fines within the first week of Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) enforcement. The operation targets Singapore-registered vehicles entering without valid permits.

Full Enforcement Begins at the Border

The Johor Road Transport Department (JPJ) began full enforcement of the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) system at the Malaysia–Singapore land border on July 1. In just five days, 190 summonses were issued to Singapore-registered vehicles, totaling RM57,000 in fines. This marks a sharp escalation in border compliance measures.

State JPJ director Azmil Zainal Adnan confirmed the figures, stating that a total of 1,767 vehicles were inspected during the operation. Of these, 94 vehicles were issued warning notices. He described the initial phase of enforcement as smooth and without major disruptions.

RM300 Fine for Non-Compliance

Under the current enforcement rules, any Singaporean vehicle entering Malaysia without a valid VEP faces a fine of RM300. This directive falls under Section 66H(7) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which makes it illegal to drive a foreign-registered motor vehicle in Malaysia without proper documentation.

This move is seen as part of Malaysia’s broader effort to tighten control over foreign vehicles and ensure all incoming drivers abide by local road laws. The VEP system has been in planning for years but is now entering its strict implementation phase.

Aims of the VEP System

The Vehicle Entry Permit system serves two main objectives

• To regulate and monitor the influx of foreign vehicles, especially at busy checkpoints like Johor.
• To support the enforcement of Malaysian road transport laws involving foreign-registered cars.

Authorities emphasize that the VEP is not only about collecting fees or issuing penalties—it also plays a key role in national security and traffic management.

Warnings Reflect Leniency Phase

While 190 drivers received summonses, the 94 vehicles given warnings indicate a degree of leniency in the early phase of enforcement. This may signal an educational push by JPJ to ensure foreign drivers become more familiar with the new requirements before stricter penalties are applied in full force.

Still, drivers are urged to secure their VEP approvals online and ensure all documents are in order before entering Malaysia.

Regional Impact for Cross-Border Traveler

Singaporeans who frequently travel to Malaysia for work or leisure must now adhere strictly to VEP requirements to avoid costly penalties. Similarly, Indonesian travelers who drive Singapore-registered rental cars into Johor must be aware of these regulations to ensure compliance.

Given the high volume of daily crossings between Johor and Singapore, this new enforcement could have ripple effects across business, tourism, and logistics sectors operating across the two nations.

JPJ’s firm implementation of the Vehicle Entry Permit at the Johor-Singapore border underlines Malaysia’s renewed commitment to border law enforcement. With RM57,000 in fines in just five days, the message is clear: compliance is no longer optional. As cross-border travel remains vital to both economies, this move may reshape travel behavior for both Singaporeans and Indonesians who frequently cross into Malaysia.

Sources: The Star (2025) , Scoop (2025)

Keywords: Vehicle Entry Permit, Johor Road Transport Department, JPJ Summonses, Foreign Vehicle Fines, Malaysia Border Control, Singapore Registered Vehicles