JOHOR BARU: The number of Singapore-registered vehicles entering Malaysia via the Johor Causeway and Tuas Second Link recorded a slight dip, following the enforcement of the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) by the Transport Ministry, today.
State Road Transport Department director Azmil Zainal Adnan said all counters were in full operation, but there was a slight reduction in the number of Singapore-registered vehicles at both land checkpoints.
He was unable to reveal the figure, as the records will be available after 9pm, today.
However, movement of Singapore-registered vehicles fitted with the VEP tag were smooth and without any glitch, he said, when contacted today.
The Johor Causeway and Second Link recorded lighter traffic compared to typical weekdays, as Singaporean motorists appeared to be adjusting to the VEP registration.
Checks on the Beat the Jam application, a live feed of both land causeways revealed that traffic was smooth-flowing without any congestion.
The Apps stated that it took between 21 and 32 minutes via the Johor Causeway from Singapore, while motorists needed 11 to 17 minutes from the republic to clear the Tuas checkpoints in Gelang Patah.
Prior to today's mandatory VEP enforcement, it would take about an hour to clear both land checkpoints on a weekday.
Accurate data on the entry of vehicles from Singapore was unavailable at press time, however, the New Straits Times has learnt that there was a slight reduction in the usual volume of cross-border traffic.
The NST reported that RTD director-general Aedy Fadly Ramli said foreign vehicles, that those who have yet to install the VEP, can continue to enter Malaysia from Singapore.
However, RTD officers will issue Singapore private vehicle owners with warning notices if they leave the country without a valid VEP.
The motorists are urged to comply with the new regulations before they depart the country.
As for today, Azmil said no Singapore-registered vehicles were turned away due to non-compliance with the VEP requirement.
Meanwhile, Singaporean R.Thanalecthumy who is yet to get her VEP approval said she was redirected to an inspection area because she did not have a VEP tag.
I was told that I needed to apply and activate the tag. The officers assisted us in understanding the process," she said.
Between Oct 1 and Dec 31, VEP enforcement will be phased and foreign vehicles with unpaid fines will still be allowed to enter and leave Malaysia.
However, from Jan 1, 2025, full enforcement action will be implemented.
The VEP, aimed at regulating foreign vehicle entry into Malaysia, requires Singapore-registered vehicles to registered and activate their RFID VEP tags.
Motorists who fail to comply with the new regulation may face fines, though enforcement officers have been largely focusing on educating drivers rather than issuing penalties during this initial phase.
The decline in Singapore-registered vehicles entering Johor has also raised concerns among business owners, particularly those in the retail and hospitality sectors who depend on cross-border visitors for a significant portion of their revenue.
However, today's dip in traffic may be a short-term consequence of the VEP rollout, as most industry key players remain confident that once fully implemented, the frequency of visits by Singaporeans to Johor will normalise.