These "skip the queue" services cover assistance to apply for the VEP online, amend personal details, deregister an existing permit and collect and install the radio frequency identification (RFID) tags at VEP collection centres in Johor and Singapore, customers and those offering such services told The Straits Times.
It costs anywhere between $25 and $168 for such services, compared with the RM40 (S$12) vehicle owners pay in total if they personally register for the permit via Malaysia's Road Transport Department (JPJ) website.
JPJ on its website says that "representatives" are allowed to do the registrations on behalf of vehicle owners, as long as they "ensure that the information provided is true and accurate".
It is mandatory for Singapore motorists entering Malaysia via its two land borders - at the Causeway and Second Link - to have the VEP from Oct 1.
But the application process has been marred by delays and technical issues, resulting in long queues at the VEP collection centres.
Malaysia says that for now, cars from Singapore can still enter Johor without a permit. However, those who have not applied for a VEP will be issued a written warning.
The VEP allows the Malaysian authorities to identify foreignregistered vehicles, enabling them to track traffic offences and outstanding writs of summons.
The New Paper reported in August that a Singapore company, Innox Group, was offering VEP "skip the queue" services at $138.
It has since increased the fee to $168.
This story is from the October 09, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 09, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
BLACK DAY FOR BRITISH PUBS
At her London pub, landlady Kate Davidson has taken to issuing Guinness ration cards, but the beer still ran out amid a British shortage of Ireland's national drink.
Her Last Gifts
It was exhausting, he sighed. But Carol insisted; her name being what it was and his, she said with a big grin, being Chris. Remember, this is the blessed spirit of the season, to give as we have been given.
When You Think About Me
She empties the last drawer and, between stray baubles, there's the cookie tin, the one hunted down from some narrow shop in Liverpool because it didn't ship here.
Gift Of The Magi
Let's say you never intended to use Magi. Let's say you know about all the scandals: the accusations of stolen data, the EU lawsuits, the CEO's abhorrent behaviour. Let's say you don't even believe the outlandish social media claims that the app is magical, like actual magic. You know it's not possible it reads your mind, plumbs your soul, knows your heart's desires. You're not so gullible.
Ho Ren Yung: Steering global brand evolution of Banyan Group
Ms Ho Ren Yung, deputy chief executive of Banyan Group, oversaw the company's brand relaunch in a bumper year of 19 openings in 2024. These included Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto in Japan and Angsana Tengchong in China.
Jury-rigged Hotpot
The Japan Home folding table was just big enough to accommodate two.
Tales of love, peace and hope
The Sunday Times invites five authors to pen short stories around the theme of A Christmas Gift
Japan: Taking centre stage in Singapore and beyond
Scroll through your social media feed this holiday season, and practically everyone you know is in Japan or making plans to vacation there.
UOB: Most influential patron in Singapore art scene
UOB's \"day job\" is handling loans, deposits and a wealth of diverse portfolios. But the bank cemented its role as the most influential patron in the Singapore art scene in 2024, investing good chunks of cash in both arts and arts education.
Fong Chi Chung: Putien restaurants make dining out more affordable
In a year where diners made themselves scarce - preferring to spend their strong Singapore dollars overseas, and leading restaurant owners and chefs to despair over empty dining rooms - this power lister made a power move that others in the industry are watching closely.