SINGAPORE – Malaysia implemented the trial run of its Vehicle Entry Permit System (VEP) on June 1, but it seems like it is facing some teething issues.
As part of the new system, Singapore vehicles entering Johor Bahru via the Tuas or Woodlands checkpoints are required to register for a VEP prior to entry. Each permit is valid for five years.
There are two ways to register for the VEP: Online on Malaysia’s Road Transport Department (RTD) website or at the Johor Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex.
However, many Singapore drivers attempting to do it the convenient way by registering online seem to be facing roadblocks.
Netizens complained that the website either crashed or took a long time to load.
Matthew Tjow commented on ChannelNews Asia’s Facebook page yesterday (June 2) that he went to the website and tried to create an account for himself.
He added: “…guess what?! the site crashed (sic)!”
Responding to the same thread, netizen Javier Jdm wrote: “Been trying to get onto the website since morning…It’s taking forever to load.”
Some have even said that the website doesn’t load when they try to launch it.
A concerned netizen Jackson Wong wrote on ChannelNews Asia’s Facebook page: “Tried to click on the link. Cannot even load the page. If that is going to happen, does it mean that SG-registered cars will be detain or not allow to enter JB custom?”
When AsiaOne tried to access the website at 12pm today (June 3), there was an error message “504 Gateway Time-Out” popped up. The website, however, loaded properly an hour and half later.
AsiaOne understands that new users are supposed to receive an activation link once they have signed up for their online account. This step is a crucial step in order to move on to the next stage of the application process to register the vehicle.
Many were also left frustrated after they did not receive their activation links. The wait for this particular e-mail can be anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours.
Public servant Brian Cheung, 35, told AsiaOne that he tried registering at 9.15am yesterday (June 2) and has yet to receive any emails up till today. That makes the wait longer than 24 hours.
“With such poor administrative set up, I am concerned that there are additional documents that they require which I may not have when I am at the customs,” said Mr Cheung.
Financial consultant, Simon Lim, 32, who is making a trip to Malacca next week, told AsiaOne that he fears having to cancel travel plans if the VEP application does not go through.
After successful registration, vehicle owners will be advised on collection details of a VEP tag. There is an administrative fee of RM10 (S$3.45) imposed for tag collection. But still, there are others who are baffled as to where to collect the tag because they have not received any instructions.
“My hubby registered last year and they informed him that they will e-mail him when the tag is ready. But there has been no e-mail at all,” wrote netizen Patricia Phua on Facebook.
The VEP trial will continue until July 15, 2016. During this period, Singapore vehicles entering Johor need not pay VEP fee of RM20 (S$6.60), reported Bernama. The fee will only be imposed from July 16.
Some 120,000 Singapore vehicles have already registered, reported The Star.
The registration of vehicles for VEP will be open until the end of the year, Hasni Mohammad, chairman of Johor’s Public Works, Rural and Regional Development Committee, told Bernama.
Singapore-registered vehicles which are not registered with a VEP, will be refused entry into the country once the system is fully implemented.
While there are concerns over issues with registration, those who have entered Malaysia over the past few days said there seems to be no difference in passing through Johor customs.
Reader Benni Lawson said on The Straits Times Facebook page on June 2: “Nothing has changed, just drive in (sic).”
maryanns@sph.com.sg
The New Paper
