The upcoming resumption of travel to Malaysia has understandably created a lot of hype and buzz amongst travel enthusiasts looking to prepare for their next big road trip.
However, an ever-changing list of requirements and precautions mandated by this arrangement will likely leave you more confused and distant. The volatility and fragility of our current circumstances do not help either.
You can finally put your worries aside as we have consolidated a comprehensive breakdown of everything you will need before your drive into Malaysia in 2022. You’re welcome!
P.S. Pandemic travel still requires extra planning, paperwork and patience — be sure to use this handy travel tool that allows you to check on the right requirements for entry.
VEP is a permit that allows Singapore-registered vehicles into Malaysia. Like the one we have in Singapore, it is mandatory for all Singapore-registered vehicles to enter Malaysia by the land borders.
Previously, all Singapore-registered vehicles were required to install a VEP-RFID tag after the successful application of the VEP, but this project was put on hold due to technical issues and the closing of borders.
This VEP-RFID tag can be synced to the Touch N’ Go (TNG) eWallet, which will allow Singaporean drivers to pay for roll tolls, highway charges, as well as the road charge of RM20 ($6.40) for every entry into Malaysia at either Woodlands Causeway or Tuas Second Link.
In the meantime, Singaporean drivers may use their VEP email confirmation slip or TNG card as a substitute to enter Malaysia via the land checkpoints.
Given that the land borders have been inactive for close to two years now, it is understandable that most Singaporean drivers are unaware of the existence of the VEP. However, it is crucial to note that the Malaysian Ministry of Transport has consistently reiterated its desire to mandate the VEP for all Singapore-registered vehicles entering Malaysia before the pandemic.
From 1 Apr to 7 Apr 2022, the VEP and road charge will be waived for all Singaporean vehicles entering Malaysia. VEP enforcement and the road charge payment will resume from 8 April 2022 onwards.
During this period, Singaporean drivers can use this opportunity to renew or top up their Touch N’ Go cards, register for a VEP and have their VEP-RFID tag installed on their vehicles.
Drivers who have already registered and installed their VEP-RFID tags will be exempted from the road charge payment during this period.
While there are multiple steps to ensuring the successful application of a VEP, it is still a fairly straightforward process. Do not fret, as we have broken it down into steps that you can easily follow!
Step 1: Online Registration
You can register for a VEP at its official VEP website. Here, you will be required to input your personal details, alongside details of the vehicle you intend to drive into Malaysia. While the website is currently inaccessible as of 30 March 2022, it is likely that our Malaysian counterparts are still solidifying the VEP framework in time for the borders’ reopening.
Instead of filling the form up manually, you can easily upload a PDF file of your vehicle’s log card from LTA.
Step 2: Make an Appointment
You will receive a confirmation email after successfully sending in your application. From there, you can make an official appointment to have the tag installed onto your vehicle at one of their four official centres.
The centres available are:
- Gelang Patah Southbound rest stop
- Plaza Angsana Open Carpark
- Pandan rest stop
- Lima Kedai Toll Plaza
There was also an initial plan to introduce an additional centre at Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar.
You may use the confirmation slip of your VEP application or a TNG card as a substitute during VEP inspections in the meantime.
Step 3: Prepare the essential documents
Once you have confirmed your appointment, make sure that you arrive with essential documents such as your VEP confirmation slip, a written confirmation of your appointment slot, a photocopy of your NRIC and passport and the registration documents of your vehicle (you can find them in the official LTA website). Do bring along a copy of your latest insurance cover too, just in case.
After your documents have been verified, the VEP-RFID tag that lasts five years will be installed onto your vehicle. Expect to pay a small fee of S$3.30 (RM10) for the installation process.
The Touch ‘N Go e-Wallet will be your best friend during your trips to Malaysia as it automates the payment process for checkpoint tolls and other related charges. Think of it as a more intuitive version of our local NETS cashcard. More importantly, it can be linked to your uniquely assigned VEP-RFID tag.
Do ensure there is sufficient balance in your e-Wallet if you intend to use the VEP-RFID tag while in Malaysia. Thankfully, there is an automated reload function you can activate for that extra bit of convenience and peace of mind. Definitely a good reason to go digital!
While it isn’t strictly enforced at the moment, it is highly anticipated that it will be soon once the situation has stabilised and travel is unhindered. You should do it as soon as possible to avoid disruptions in the future.
All travellers visiting Malaysia will be required to have the MySejahtera application, the local variant of our TraceTogether application, on their phones. This mobile application contains crucial details about the verification of your vaccination status.
To verify your vaccination status, please visit MySafeTravel. According to some travellers who have already entered Malaysia, Singaporeans only have to complete the first three steps on the checklist on the MySafeTravel site.
For individuals who are partially or not fully vaccinated, do note that you are required to purchase COVID-19 travel insurance with a minimum coverage of US$20,000. You will also be required to serve a 5-day quarantine.
Although this ruling only applies to those who are not fully vaccinated, purchasing travel insurance can provide peace of mind during your travels. We have consolidated a comprehensive list of wholesome travel policies here that promises certainty during your trips to Malaysia.
This article was first published in SingSaver. SingSaver is a personal finance comparison platform that allows users to easily compare credit cards, personal loans, and insurance for free while helping empower people to lead healthier financial lives through increased financial literacy.