Singaporeans Call For Improvements To VEP-RFID System Amid Full Enforcement

JOHOR BAHRU, July 1 (Bernama) -- Singaporeans are calling for improvements to the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) registration and activation system, including the linking of the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag to the Touch ‘n Go application, following its full enforcement at the Malaysia-Singapore land border crossings starting today.

Bernama checks at the VEP registration centre at Jalan Skudai, Danga Bay, found Singaporean vehicle owners lining up as early as 8.30 am to register, install RFID tags, and resolve issues related to the inability to link their RFID tags to the Touch ‘n Go app.

Singaporean Mohd Nagit Kassim, 60, said while the VEP application process with the Malaysian Road Transport Department (JPJ) last November was smooth, he encountered problems updating and linking the RFID tag to the Touch ‘n Go app.

“To me, the registration process was easy, but I was not able to update it on my phone. We’re worried this will cause problems at the border. My wife and I tried many times, but it still didn’t work, so we came here because we don’t want to be fined.”

“It would be helpful if clear guidelines are displayed on mirrors or walls so users can refer to them easily,” said Nagit, who travels to Johor Bahru almost every week.

Facing similar problems was private-sector employee Sunny Koh, 56, who also could not link his RFID to the Touch ‘n Go app.

“I applied for VEP in November last year, and the process was quite fast and easy. I don’t know why I couldn’t link it with Touch ‘n Go. That’s why I came here, and I hope it can be settled today,” said the father of one.

Meanwhile, housewife Fauziah Alias, 59, hopes the relevant authorities will improve the system and application now that VEP has been enforced, to ease the entry and exit processes between both countries.

“I registered with JPJ a long time ago, but the RFID couldn’t be linked to the Touch ‘n Go. So I had to come to the counter and bring all my documents.

“I have tried using a laptop, but still couldn’t solve the problem. I’ve been here since 8 am and had to wait quite a while. It took nearly half an hour for each person at the counter.”

“Many people are probably facing the same issue, failure to link RFID with Touch ‘n Go. So I hope the system can be improved. Otherwise, we’ll face difficulties exiting Malaysia and may have to pay fines,” she added.

Beginning midnight last night, the Malaysian government has fully enforced the VEP at the Malaysia-Singapore land border crossings.

Singaporean vehicle owners who fail to activate their VEP tags will be fined RM300 under Section 66H(7) of the Road Transport Act 1987. They will not be allowed to leave Malaysia until the fine is paid and the VEP is activated.

The VEP is currently being enforced in phases at strategic locations in Johor that are frequented by foreign vehicles, before being expanded to other states that serve as major entry points for foreign vehicles into Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA