Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) for Driving to Malaysia

If you’re a fan of Johor Bahru road trips, it’s time to get an “identity card” for your vehicle.From 1 Oct 2024 onwards, every foreign-registered vehicle—including all Singaporean cars and motorcycles—needs a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) and radio frequency identification (RFID) tag to enter Malaysia.

What Is the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) System For?

The VEP system is set up by the Malaysian government, and it serves 3 purposes:1) It facilitates payment of the RM20 (S$5.75) road charge upon entering Johor through both checkpoints and covers toll fees on Malaysia’s expressways via the designated RFID lanes.2) It lets the Malaysian government track every foreign-registered car that enters or leaves the country.3) By having this tracking system in place, the government can ensure that you settle any summonses before you are allowed to leave the country.You might be surprised to know that the VEP system has already been in place since 2019. It just wasn’t enforced as the Malaysian government was looking for ways to make it easier to install the RFID tag. They seem to have succeeded, though, as from October 1 onwards, it’s going to be mandatory.ALSO READ: Getting a Driving Licence in Singapore (2024)—Prices and Reviews of BBDC, SSDC, and CDC

How Do I Get a VEP and RFID Tag?

Thankfully, it’s pretty easy to get your vehicle Maylaysia-ready. All you'll have to pay is a 10RM processing fee plus 45RM if you choose the home delivery option. Here are 6 steps to follow: Step 1: Sign Up for a VEP AccountYou can do this online via the Road Traffic Department’s official website.Step 2: Await the Confirmation EmailYou’ll receive an email shortly after registration with details to enter the Malaysian VEP portal.If you haven’t yet, make sure you download and register for aTouch N’ Go eWalletaccount before proceeding to step 3.Step 3: Input Your Vehicle InformationOnce in the portal, you'll need to input your personal details and vehicle information. This can be expedited by uploading your vehicle log, but here is the information you’ll need:

1. Vehicle’s model
2. Chassis numbers
3. Certificate of Entitlement (COE)
4. NRIC
5. Passport
6. Vehicle road tax documents
7. Motor insurance documents

P.S. You can retrieve your vehicle log card (as a PDF file) from the Land Transport Authority’s OneMotoring website.Step 4: Wait for ApprovalIt may take days or even weeks for your application to get verified and approved (so get started early). Upon approval, you’ll receive a confirmation email.Step 5: Collect Your VEP-RFID Tag By Home Delivery: The tag will be delivered to any address of your choice, whether in Singapore or Malaysia.Applicants must pay a service fee of RM30 and a postage fee of approximately RM15 for delivery to Singapore. Sales and services tax will also apply. By Self-Collection:You can also self-collect your tag from a VEP collection centre in Johor Bahru (of course, this is only possible before 1 Oct). There are no VEP collection centres in Singapore.Whichever option you choose, you must pay a processing fee of RM10 for the tag.Step 6: AcknowledgementOnce you receive your RFID tag, you need to perform “tag acknowledgement” by logging in to the VEP portal and clicking the acknowledgement button on your vehicle number. You should also input the RFID serial number for validation.

How Do I Install the RFID Tag on My Vehicle?

To install the tag, you can either seek assistance from a JPJ officer or do it yourself.Here’s how to install it:Preparation:Choose a flat surface on the car, ensuring it is clean and dry. This surface should be at least 5cm away from any part of the car’s metal frame.Placement:Peel the RFID tag from its edges and paste it horizontally on the left headlamp situated on the passenger side of the vehicle. Don’t remove the tag once you’ve placed it, or it could break.You can also place it on your windscreen, but make sure that it is not obstructed by the wiper blades.Here’s an illustration from Malaysia's road transport department on how to attach the RFID tag to a car's left headlamp. [caption id="attachment_91122" align="alignnone" width="640"] Source: JPJ[/caption] Upload a Photo:Snap a picture of the RFID tag along with your car’s license plate andupload the photo to the VEP portal.Activation Notification:You will receive an email notification once the tag is activated—you are now free to enjoy road trips to Malaysia!

What if I Drive Into Malaysia Without a VEP and RFID Tag?

Living on the edge, huh? From 1 Oct 2024, any foreign-registered vehicle entering or travelling in Malaysia without a VEP may be fined up to RM2,000 (~S$574) or jailed for up to 6 months.ALSO READ: How to Take the Train Between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur? A Complete Guide to Taking the ETSHowever, suppose your tag is stolen, lost, or damaged in an accident. In that case, you must update your vehicle status on the online portal and provide a copy of the police report to Malaysia’s Road Transport Department when collecting a new VEP RFID tag. An administrative fee will be charged.If your VEP tag is faulty, you will receive a free replacement. But this does not apply to tags that have been removed or tampered with (remember, don’t remove it once you’ve installed it!). In these cases, you will be charged a fee for a new tag.

Does the VEP Have an Expiry Date?

Your VEP is valid for 5 years. The VEP portal will send an email reminding you to renew it 6 months before it expires. You can renew it via the portal, but you'll need to do it quickly, as it must be renewed within 3 months of that reminder email. Upon renewal, a new VEP tag will be issued. If you don't renew it in time and try to enter Malaysia, an LED panel at the immigration lane will notify you that your VEP has expired. You can still drive through to enter Malaysia, though, but you'll have to pay a penalty fee of 150RM upon exiting Malaysia. If you know anyone who loves driving to Malaysia, share this article with them![ms_related_articles] The post Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) for Driving to Malaysia appeared first on the MoneySmart blog.

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