JOHOR BARU: Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has expressed his frustration over the long queues and delays faced by Singaporean motorists in obtaining the mandatory Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP).
In a video posted on the JDTUnite01 TikTok account, Onn Hafiz, who made an unannounced visit to the VEP centre in Danga Bay on Wednesday, was seen visibly upset as he addressed the disorganised situation at the centre.
Several Singaporean drivers informed him they had been waiting as early as 6.30am, while others complained of delays spanning almost three months without receiving any updates from the centre.
Clearly dissatisfied with the situation, Onn Hafiz was seen making a phone call, during which was recorded saying: "This concerns my state's reputation."
He told the News Straits Times that his visit was part of ongoing efforts to address complaints from foreign motorists, with the VEP set to be enforced starting Oct 1.
"I have contacted the Transport Ministry, which oversees the VEP application process, and we are now in discussions to resolve this issue.
"This is about ensuring the ease of movement for the people and safeguarding the economic impact on Johor."
Onn Hafiz was in the republic's National University recently, where its audience raised the challenges, they faced with the VEP application.
Two days after his visit, the Johor Road Transport Department responded by opening two additional locations in Johor Baru for Singapore-registered vehicle owners to install their VEP tags.
The expansion is expected to increase the centre's capacity fivefold.
The complications surrounding the VEP have raised concerns among Singaporean motorists, with some threatening to avoid travelling to Johor altogether due to the challenges in obtaining the permit.
Business owners in Johor have also expressed fears that these complications could negatively affect the cross-border trade and tourism.
"The application process needs streamlining, or it will disrupt daily commuters, trade, and tourism," Onn Hafiz said.
The state government and ministry are currently working on solutions to ease the backlog and improve the VEP process, with more updates expected in the coming weeks.