Malaysia has begun a strict enforcement of its long-anticipated Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) for Singapore-registered cars entering the country as of July 2025. Now, all Singaporean cars must have an activated VEP-RFID tag before being allowed to enter or exit Malaysia via land checkpoints. These include the Causeway (Sultan Iskandar Building) and the Second Link. This measure marks the full end to any grace period previously granted so car owners are responsible to be compliant in Singapore. Additionally, owners of Singapore-registered cars with a COE of six months or less will not be allowed to apply for a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) to enter Malaysia. Here’s what we know about the VEP requirement for Singapore cars in Malaysia.
What is the VEP?
The VEP is an electronic permit linked to a mandatory Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag adhered to each vehicle’s windscreen. This tag is scanned by Malaysian authorities to digitally track, identify, and monitor foreign vehicles—aiming to strengthen border security and regulate traffic.
Registration is completed online and each VEP is valid for five years. Meanwhile, a VEP-RFID tag is considered active only after it is installed and confirmed online. If the tag is not activated, the authorities will treat the vehicle as non-compliant—regardless of any registration slip.
A VEP registration costs RM10 (S$3) via this website.
What will happen if I don’t have a VEP?
Drivers caught without a valid VEP at Malaysian checkpoints will face immediate consequences. According to authorities, motorists will receive a compound fine of RM300 (S$86-$91), and they must settle both the fine and complete VEP registration before being permitted to enter or leave Malaysia.
Additionally, repeat offenders may face harsher penalties, including fines of up to RM2,000 or even six months jail time. Enforcement is led by teams from the Malaysian Road Transport Department with both random checks and technology-assisted detection at main entry points. Notably, company-registered vehicles with unactuated tags may receive reminders rather than a fine due to complications registering under company names.
Other key updates
Notably, there is a new restriction that Singaporean vehicles with a Certificate of Entitlement (COE) valid for six months or less cannot apply for a VEP, as clarified by Malaysia’s transport officials. Instead, these motorists will have to extend their COE in order to qualify for the permit. Although, Singapore coe prices for cars remain mostly unchanged.
Overall, Malaysian authorities continue to urge vehicle owners to promptly register, install, and activate their RFID tags to avoid disruption during cross-border traffic. According to reports, a large minority have yet to activate theirs in Singapore.
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