As the Oct 1 deadline neared for Singapore-registered cars to get their vehicle entry permits (VEPs) to enter Malaysia, complaints about the plan's botched roll-out got testy and ugly.
Comments I came across included "They are out to tekan (pressure) Singapore drivers for money", "They will gloat over Singapore cars stuck in traffic if the VEP causes tailbacks", and "Third world system for a third world country".
The overarching message seemed to be that Malaysia is intentionally making life difficult for Singaporeans driving into Johor by insisting they install VEP tags and then fumbling the application process.
I agree that it's frustrating when e-mails go unanswered for months, an hours-long queue leads to a "tutup" (closed in Malay) sign, or an app just refuses to refresh despite you repeatedly stabbing at your phone like a demented person. In fact, I can even empathise because I've been there as a Malaysian. This is normal life for us. It's not a special scheme we hatched just to torment our southern neighbours.
Need more convincing? Just over a week ago, Putrajaya had to U-turn on its Oct 10 deadline for Malaysians to log in to the road transport department's MyJPJ app using MyDigital ID. This is akin to Singapore drivers using Singpass to access certain services on the Land Transport Authority's OneMotoring website. The directive was called off after Malaysians voiced their frustration on social media over snags such as error messages, slow responses and their particulars not being registered even after several tries. Sound familiar?
Meanwhile, in January, concerns emerged over security flaws in Padu, a new central database system to help in aid distribution to Malaysia's low-income earners. Imagine the uproar in Singapore if your CDC vouchers never arrived because someone else could register your details for you. I exaggerate and embellish, but you get the picture.
ALL IN THE SAME BOAT
This story is from the October 13, 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 13, 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
Ride on China growth story but tread cautiously, say experts
S'pore investors can go for diversified portfolio of stocks or China-related plays
S'pore-based Shein reportedly adds more banks to arrange London listing
Shein has added more banks to help arrange its potential initial public offering (IPO) that could value the online fashion retailer at £50 billion (S$85 billion), potentially one of the biggest listings in London in recent years, people familiar with the matter said.
Job seeker support scheme will be reviewed quarterly
Manpower Minister not ruling out further expanding the initiative after it is rolled out in April 2025
C&C, Gogoro launch electric scooters and charging stations
Cycle & Carriage Singapore (C&C) and Gogoro officially launched battery-swop electric scooters and charging stations in Singapore on Oct 16.
Boeing to raise up to $33b as strike weighs on finances
US aircraft manufacturer Boeing unveiled measures meant to replenish its cash flow on Oct 15, including an intention to raise up to US$25 billion (S$33 billion), as it navigates recurrent production problems and a major US strike.
NZ inflation slows to lowest rate since early 2021
New Zealand's annual inflation rate fell sharply in the third quarter, returning to the central bank's target band for the first time in more than three years.
Why are tech companies in S'pore laying off people?
Restructuring, rising employment cost and slow growth forecast among factors
Workers at Samsung's Tamil Nadu factory end strike
Workers of Samsung Electronics' Indian unit have decided to end a strike at its factory in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the company said on Oct 15, ending a labour protest that had continued for more than a month.
Widower shared account info with 'women' online, but they were scammers
Shortly after his wife died, a man shared details of his bank accounts with people he met online who claimed to be women, only to find out that some of the accounts were later used to handle scam proceeds.
All SIT graduates to get transcript of transferable skills
Move to go beyond academic grades will document students' mastery of 18 skills
