Singapore drivers face roadblocks in securing Malaysia's VEP
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-vep-singapore-drivers-frustration-johor-4407671
Mr Khoo purchased the car in 2023 from a secondhand dealer and was not aware that the previous owner did not deregister himself with Malaysian authorities. He has tried to contact Malaysia’s Road Transport Department (JPJ) via multiple emails for more than two weeks, but has yet to receive a response.
Some, like Mr Khoo, had vehicles which were already registered for VEP under previous owners. Meanwhile, others had issues such as the VEP they applied for in 2019 was expiring but there was no option to renew it on the portal.
Some also indicated that they were not willing to apply because the process required drivers to submit sensitive documents such as a copy of the identity card and certificate of entitlement, citing privacy issues. Almost all these drivers told CNA that they have reached out to JPJ across various platforms including email as well as social media but they have yet to receive a response.
Another Singaporean facing issues is Ms Nurliyana Salleh, who is a private-hire car driver. The 34-year-old told CNA that she is unable to register her car because it is leased from a rental company. “I don’t own the car so my rental company has to do it but they have not done so. I’m not sure how to proceed,” she said, adding that she enters Johor Bahru every week.
Some Singapore drivers have elected to travel physically down to the TCSens office in Danga Bay, Johor Bahru to seek help on issues they face.
Another driver who wanted to be known only as Mr Leow told CNA the entire process had been “troublesome” as his application via the JPJ portal had initially failed, as he had logged into an old system used for VEP registration.
He told CNA that he also faced technical issues with the new portal which was put forth by JPJ following the Ministry of Transport’s announcement in end-May. It reflected his registration status as submitted, when in fact his application also failed as it contained his vehicle's insurance which had expired, added Mr Leow.
His application eventually went through after he updated his current car insurance details for resubmission. He then decided to travel to the TCSens office on Wednesday to get his RFID sticker installed physically in Johor Bahru, where he had to wait for around an hour before he was attended to. Mr Leow outlined that the entire process was "complicated" and "confusing" and can be better streamlined.
Malaysia automotive industry analyst Hezeri Samsuri told CNA that it might be more productive for drivers to come down to the TCSens office in Danga Bay, Johor Bahru to resolve these issues in person as JPJ might be unable to cope with the volume of emails and calls it receives. “Coming down in person is the best and quickest way to get these matters resolved,” said Mr Hezeri.