Breaking News: Singapore Motorists with Pending VEP Applications Will Not Face Action at Johor Checkpoints, Says Transport Minister

Minister Anthony Loke Assures No Penalties for Ongoing VEP Applications

In a recent visit to the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) Customs, Immigration, and quarantine complex in Johor Baru, Transport Minister Anthony Loke made a significant announcement regarding Singapore motorists with pending Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) applications.

Key Points to Note:

• Singapore motorists with ongoing VEP applications will not be issued any penalties at Johor’s land checkpoints.
• The authorities will not take action as long as motorists have applied for the VEP.
• Even without receiving their VEP radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, motorists will not face penalties as their applications are still in progress.

  Loke shared that a total of 112,658 VEP tags have been issued to Singapore-registered vehicles as of September 30. Out of these, 75,412 tags have been installed and activated, while 37,246 tags are yet to be activated.

  Compliance Check Results:
  

  Based on random checks conducted at both BSI and Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar checkpoints on October 1 and 2:

• 93% of cars inspected had applied for the VEP.
• Only 50 notices were issued to motorists who had not applied for the permit at all.
  

  Future Penalties for Non-Compliance:
  

  The notices serve as reminders for motorists to expedite their VEP applications to avoid future penalties. Loke emphasized that the government will gradually introduce penalties for non-compliance.

  Recent Enforcement Update:
  

  Despite the enforcement of VEP regulations starting on October 1, all Singaporean foreign vehicles without a VEP can still enter Johor as usual.

  Analysis:
  

  This update from Transport Minister Anthony Loke provides reassurance to Singapore motorists with pending VEP applications, highlighting the following key points:

  1. No Immediate Penalties: Motorists with ongoing VEP applications will not face any immediate penalties at Johor’s land checkpoints, even without receiving their RFID tags.
  2. Compliance: The majority of Singaporean motorists have been compliant with the VEP requirements, as indicated by the high percentage of cars with valid applications during random checks.
  3. Future Penalties: While no immediate penalties will be imposed, motorists are urged to complete their VEP applications promptly to avoid potential penalties in the future.
  4. Enforcement Update: Despite the enforcement of VEP regulations, non-compliant Singaporean vehicles can still enter Johor without facing immediate repercussions.

     This information is crucial for motorists traveling between Singapore and Johor, emphasizing the importance of VEP compliance and the consequences of non-compliance. Stay informed and ensure your VEP application is in order to avoid any future penalties or disruptions in your travel plans.