AD
SINGAPORE/JOHOR BAHRU — Long queues formed at Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) application centers on both sides of the Singapore-Malaysia border following Malaysia's announcement that enforcement will begin on July 1, leaving many motorists scrambling to meet the deadline.
The sudden surge comes after Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke revealed on June 4 that Singapore-registered vehicles entering without a valid VEP will face RM300 (S$91) fines starting next month. Drivers must settle the penalty and complete registration before exiting Malaysia.
On June 5, crowds descended upon service centers in Woodlands and Johor Bahru's Danga Bay, with many struggling with online registration or RFID tag activation issues. The radio frequency identification tags are mandatory for toll payments at Malaysian expressways and border checkpoints.
The Woodlands center operated by My VEP saw about 40 people queuing within just one hour after opening. Those without prior appointments were turned away despite urgent needs. Meanwhile, over sixty frustrated motorists waited at Danga Bay's walk-in center operated by TCSens - Malaysia's official VEP vendor.
"I've been trying to transfer my car's existing VEP from the previous owner since morning," said Latiff Saleh, a 64-year-old Singaporean who left empty-handed after being denied entry without appointment. Like many others, he found himself caught between technical glitches and overwhelming demand following last-minute policy enforcement.
The announcement marks Malaysia's third attempt since 2017 to implement this requirement after two previous postponements in 2019 and 2020. While introduced in October2024,the government had only issued reminders until now.
"This is very troublesome," complained Mr.Chong,a76-year old retiree whose October application was rejected over missing documents.He never received follow up communication until suddenly facing July enforcement."They keep changing their mind," echoed Esther Chua50who discovered her previously issued RFID tag couldn't properly fit her vehicle p > < p > With231018Singapore vehicles already registered according transport ministry figures15percent still need activate tags.The unexpected rush has overwhelmed service providers.TCSens staff reported assisting100motorists by afternoon compared typical daily average130over past months.Appointment slots Woodlands filled through June20within hours announcement p > < img alt = 'Sign showing appointment requirement outside Woodlands office June5PHOTOStraitsTimes'data caption='A sign informing applicants need appointments seen outsideV EPofficeWoodlandsonJune5 PHOTO :TheStraitsTimes 'height986src=https//assetsdoitmelinkicon273129838628310327pngwidth1463data entitytype fileuuid42ace61206824 c31a14509bf61cb7286 /> < p > Entrepreneurial services offering skip queue applications report unprecedented demand.Derrick Heng director RadiantV EPsaid inquiries jumped30June4from typical10daily earlier year.Jason Koay accounting firm handling50applicationsJune5versus two three previously through Carousell ads P > < P > TC Sens spokesperson urged immediate action anticipating further application surges across four Johor Bahru Singapore centers reminding motorists properly install activateRFIDtags avoid travel disruptions comeJuly deadline P >
Minister Gan Siow Huang apologises after handshake delay video sparks online debate
A viral TikTok video showing Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Industry Gan Siow Huang appearing to overlook an elderly man's handshake has drawn mixed reactions online, prompting the minister to issue an explanation.
Singapore Women's Football Team Withdraws from Asean Championship Amid Packed Schedule
In a surprising turn of events, the Singapore women's national football team has withdrawn from the upcoming Asean Women's Championship, just six months after securing their historic first qualification for the tournament. The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) made the announcement on June 9, leaving fans and some players in disbelief.
Thoughtful Couple's Wedding Apology Note Sparks Heartwarming Neighborly Responses
When Bernard Kuah, 32, and his bride Chermaine Wong prepared for their traditional Chinese wedding gatecrash ceremony at the ungodly hour of 4am, they did something unexpectedly considerate - they apologized in advance to their neighbors at Block 77 Marine Drive. What happened next will restore your faith in community spirit.
Changi Airport Shoplifting Spree: Two Women Nabbed Within an Hour After Stealing $635 Worth of Goods
In a swift operation, Singapore police arrested two foreign nationals within just 60 minutes for allegedly shoplifting from luxury stores in Changi Airport's transit area.
Car Enthusiasts Bid Emotional Farewell to Legendary Lim Chu Kang Road Before Its Closure
Under the glow of flickering lamp posts, the usually tranquil Lim Chu Kang Road came alive on Saturday night (June 7) as hundreds of car lovers gathered for one final meet-up before the iconic stretch closed permanently at midnight.
NUH Withdraws Bankruptcy Case Against Subsidized Nursing Home Patient After Last-Minute Discovery
SINGAPORE — In a dramatic turn of events, the National University Hospital (NUH) abruptly withdrew bankruptcy proceedings against former patient Philip Soh Keng Cheang just one hour before his scheduled court hearing in February. The 61-year-old, who owed over $290,000 in legal costs and unpaid hospital bills following an unsuccessful negligence lawsuit against NUH, was unexpectedly spared from bankruptcy after hospital administrators discovered he qualified as a fully subsidized nursing home resident.
Historic Sri Sivan Temple Consecration Draws Over 20,000 Devotees in Singapore
SINGAPORE — A sea of over 20,000 devotees gathered on June 8 to witness the sacred consecration of the iconic Sri Sivan Temple, one of Singapore's oldest Hindu temples with roots tracing back to the 1800s. The grand event marked a historic moment for the Hindu community, drawing worshippers from across the island.
Heartbreaking: Beloved Bishan Bak Kut Teh Owner Dies From Overwork, Leaves Final Wish For Wife To Continue Legacy
In a tragic turn of events, the 65-year-old owner of Xin Ming Road Bak Kut Teh in Bishan passed away last January due to extreme exhaustion - his final moments spent urging his wife to keep their decades-old family business alive.
Singapore Singles Swap Dating Apps for Unique Matchmaking Adventures in Japan and Beyond
SINGAPORE - Forget swiping left or right - a group of adventurous Singaporean singles are taking matchmaking to new heights with an exclusive four-day trip to Japan, inspired by the hit Korean reality show Single's Inferno.
Singapore Boosts Connectivity: 8 New Bus Routes Coming to Tengah and Brickland Within 18 Months
Residents of Tengah and Brickland can look forward to significantly improved public transport options, as Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow announced plans for eight new bus services in these neighborhoods over the next year and a half.
Geylang Resident's Sleepless Nights Due to Late-Night Noise Disturbances
While most of Singapore sleeps soundly after midnight, one Geylang resident finds himself trapped in a nightly battle against relentless noise disturbances.
Four Arrested in Singapore for Alleged Spiritual Scam Targeting Elderly Victims
Singapore authorities have apprehended four individuals, including three women and one man aged between 47 and 61, for their suspected involvement in a series of fraudulent "spiritual blessing" schemes targeting vulnerable victims.
