The Malaysia Road Transport Department (JPJ) has introduced a new strategy to tackle outstanding summonses among Singapore Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) users. As reported by The Star, the JPJ will now display alerts regarding unpaid fines through variable message signage at the Causeway and Second Link checkpoints. A JPJ official stated, “This method is ‘a good way’ to get foreign-registered vehicle drivers to pay up outstanding summonses from JPJ and the Malaysian police so far.”
The official further disclosed that the accumulated summonses amount to “hundreds of thousands of ringgit over the years.” Additionally, recent data from August 2024 confirmed that Singaporean motorists collectively owe approximately RM3.5 million in traffic fines, with no concrete actions taken against them due to difficulties in tracking each vehicle’s offenses.
However, with the implementation of the VEP system, which entails RFID tags on Singapore-registered cars, the monitoring process is poised to improve. The JPJ has also been reminding foreign vehicle owners, including those from Singapore, to register for VEP at the land checkpoints in Johor.
As of November 17, over 20,000 vehicles from Singapore have been checked, with JPJ sending out reminders to a significant number of Singapore car owners. The official highlighted that more than 150,000 individuals have registered for the VEP, showing a high daily volume of applications. However, the report did not specify whether these users and applicants are Singaporeans.
While currently, the access of Singapore-registered vehicles to Johor is not restricted by VEP registration, JPJ has commenced issuing warning notices to vehicle owners before they exit Malaysia. Since October 1, Malaysia has sent out 50 such warnings to Singapore-registered car owners as a precautionary measure.
For VEP registration, Singapore car owners can visit three locations, including the VEP information counter at Woodlands, Paradigm Mall, and the VEP Collection Centre in Danga Bay, Johor Bahru.
By taking these steps, Malaysia aims to streamline the managing of unpaid fines and enhance the compliance of Singapore VEP users with local regulations effectively.
