Smooth clearance at checkpoints as Malaysia's VEP scheme kicks in

But waiting time for inquiries, applications at VEP centre stretches up to three hours

- Ian Cheng Correspondent and Harith Mustaffa

Traffic at the Woodlands Causeway and Tuas Second Link was clear on Oct 1 after the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) scheme for foreign-registered vehicles to enter Malaysia kicked in.

However, queues at the VEP offices in Woodlands and in Johor Bahru showed no signs of easing.

From Oct 1, motorists entering Malaysia should have installed and activated on their vehicles a VEP radio frequency identification (RFID) tag linked to a Touch 'n Go eWallet. Those without a tag can still enter the country, but will receive a reminder.

Johor's Road Transport Department said on Facebook on Oct 1 that it had issued reminders at the Malaysian Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex to Singaporean vehicle owners who had not completed their VEP registration.

The department had announced on Sept 27 that it would do so and carry out VEP enforcement "in phases", amid complaints in Singapore of delays and snags in the application process.

Mr Zaini Yatiman, who entered JB at around 9am without a VEP tag, said he did not receive any warning at the Malaysian CIQ complex when he was returning to Singapore at around 4pm.

"I also did not see any warnings flashed at the immigration counter when I entered CIQ," added the 61-year-old engineer.