With Malaysia’s recent implementation and enforcement of the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) system from 1 October 2024, anyone driving a Singapore-registered vehicle must be well-prepared before crossing into Malaysia.
In this guide, we walk through essential requirements, such as the VEP, Touch ‘n Go cards, traffic regulations and other things drivers need to take note of for a smooth journey into Malaysia.
#1 VEP And Activation Of RFID Tag
The Road Transport Department of Malaysia (JPJ) stated on 27 September 2024 that foreign-registered vehicles that have not yet installed Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) tags by the 1st October deadline will still be permitted to enter the country from Singapore as the enforcement would be implemented in phases.
However, drivers will receive a warning notice before they leave Malaysia if you have still not installed their VEP. Here are the steps to apply for one and get it approved if you haven’t:
Go to the official VEP portal and enter your personal details and vehicle information. Uploading your vehicle registration card can quicken the process.
Wait for the VEP confirmation email with a permit slip.
Download the Touch ‘n Go eWallet app. Choose NRIC as your ID type to sync with your VEP profile.
Follow the instructions in your VEP email to complete registration using your personal Touch ‘n Go eWallet details. There are two ways to collect your VEP tag: self-collection or home delivery. For self-collection, you can pick up your tag at a VEP collection counter in Johor Bahru, Danga Bay. Keep in mind that there are no collection counters in Singapore. For home delivery, the tag can be sent to any address in Singapore or Malaysia. Applicants must pay a service fee of RM30, plus an additional postage fee of about RM15 for delivery to Singapore. There is also a processing fee of RM10 applicable to both collection methods.
Upon receiving your VEP RFID tag, you must register the tag on the VEP portal and update your details timely whenever needed. If the tag is faulty, a replacement will be issued for free. However, a replacement fee would be charged if it was found to be tampered with. To ensure that your tag is activated, log in to the TCSens portal and check the “VEP Tag Application” tab.
#2 Touch ‘n Go Account
As from the prior step, you should have already downloaded and activated your eWallet. The RFID tag would be linked to this eWallet, which can be used for the payment of your road charges and toll fees in Malaysia. To check if your VEP is linked to the Touch ‘n Go app, click on the “More” tab of the app, followed by then “RFID” under the Transport option. You would then see details of your permitted vehicle, including its tag ID.
Source: Touch ‘n Go
Check that “Active” is displayed near the top right corner of your page and do remember to keep your eWallet topped up. Usually, you would use your physical Touch ‘n Go card to tap on the scanners at immigration booths for toll payments. However, if you have an activated RFID tag linked to your Touch ‘n Go eWallet, these payments will be processed automatically.
To track your transactions, simply open the Touch ‘n Go app and check under “Transactions.” Additionally, you can use your VEP RFID tag for highway toll charges by driving through the RFID lanes, marked with a white “MyRFID” sign.
All that said, it can still be a good idea to carry a physical Touch ‘n Go card with sufficient balance as a backup.
#3 Passport, Other Necessary Documents And Regulations
Similar to travelling to any other foreign country, you must have your passport with at least 6 months of validity, so check that in advance.
While there’s no requirement to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) when you drive across the causeway into Malaysia, you should not forget your Singapore driving licence. Again, you may access your driving licence in digital form via your Singpass app, but it can be a good idea to bring your physical driving license.
Drivers who frequently go into Malaysia will also know the ¾ tank rule. Singapore-registered vehicles are required to have at least ¾ tank of fuel before entering Malaysia. Obviously, this is because fuel is substantially cheaper in Malaysia. Those who do not have ¾ tank of fuel may be fined a sum of $500 to avoid incurring an even greater cost.
When you’re in Malaysia, note that foreigners are not allowed to pump the subsidised RON95 petrol.
You may also want to carry your travel insurance documents, such as phone numbers you may need if you get into an accident, as well as Malaysian emergency numbers such as 999 (for general emergencies to contact the Police, Fire Station, Ambulance, Civil Defence) and 112 (if your mobile phone has no network or signal).
While driving into Malaysia may be a frequent activity for many Singapore drivers, it may be wise to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of theft, and investing in a steering wheel lock and a car dashcam.
It may also be useful to monitor the traffic situation to and from Malaysia to plan for your drive into Malaysia or back home.
Read Also: What Happens If Your Singapore Car Gets Stolen In Malaysia?
#4 Traffic Rules And Conditions
Like in Singapore, Malaysians drive on the left, and seat belts are mandatory. There are also overlapping road safety rules, including not using your phone while driving, switching on headlights from 7PM to 7AM, overtaking from the right lane, and others you may adhere to in Singapore.
Speed limits are generally 110 km/h on highways, 90 km/h on bigger roads, and 50-70 km/h in cities – keep a lookout so you don’t exceed the limits.
The traffic conditions on major highways from the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints in Malaysia can vary depending on the time you enter. The North-South Expressway (E2) is the primary route toward destinations like Kuala Lumpur (KL) and Malacca. Traffic along this highway is generally smooth but can slow down significantly during rush hours.
As Malaysia has toll roads, be prepared to pay multiple toll fees too. If you are driving from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur or Malacca, you’ll encounter several toll booths, and the total toll fees depend on your entry and exit points. Starting from Singapore, the toll at the Woodlands or Tuas checkpoints is approximately SGD $0.80 to $2.10 for cars, depending on the checkpoint you use.
On the Malaysian side, the toll charges from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur will cost around RM 45-50 (about SGD $13-14), with several toll plazas along the North-South Expressway. If you are heading to Malacca instead, the toll fee is slightly lower, costing around RM 33-35 (approximately SGD $10).
Read Also: 5 Singapore Car Rental Services And How Much It Costs To Drive Into Malaysia
Things To Know When Returning Back To Singapore
Another thing to remember when re-entering Singapore is the rules and regulations at the customs. You may be required to pay the relevant duty charges for products like liquor and tobacco. Other products, like chewing gum and firecrackers, cannot be legally brought back to Singapore. There may also be restrictions on certain meat products, including poultry, eggs and any form of meat.
While a short road trip to Malaysia shouldn’t overwhelm you with anxiety and worry, being prepared in advance can ensure a much smoother trip.
Read Also: 4 Financial Mistakes To Avoid When You Are In Malaysia
The post VEP; Touch ‘n Go; Traffic Regulations: Guide To Driving Into Malaysia appeared first on DollarsAndSense.sg.
