JOHOR BARU: The number of vehicles crossing to Johor from Singapore has returned to normal despite the implementation of the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP), says Anthony Loke.
The Transport Minister noted that while there was a decline in the number of Singaporean vehicles during the first two days of the VEP rollout, traffic has since stabilised.
“I’ve been receiving daily reports on the number of cars entering, and it has already returned to normal. Traffic volume was lower on Oct 1 and Oct 2, but after I visited and gave my assurance on Oct 3, there has been no further reduction,” he said at a press conference after opening the state DAP convention yesterday.
For now, Loke said that no action will be taken against those who have not yet completed their VEP registration. An announcement will be made once the VEP is fully enforced.
“I have already given my assurance, and this is a ministerial assurance. At present, there will be no fines, only reminders for motorists to install the VEP as soon as possible. Based on the daily reports, it seems Singaporeans have responded well to this assurance,” he added.
“For the first phase, we are simply issuing reminders. There won’t be a specific deadline because I don’t want people to wait until the last minute to register for the VEP,” Loke said.
Earlier, The Star reported that business groups have seen fewer Singaporeans entering Johor since the VEP took effect on Oct 1.
Following the move, the Malaysian government assured that action would not be taken against those who have yet to complete the VEP application.
Last week, Loke reiterated that Singapore motorists with pending VEP applications would not face any penalties at either of Johor’s land checkpoints. However, he urged them to apply for the permit without delay, even though they are currently allowed to enter and exit Johor.
“The government introduced the VEP in 2019 but the enforcement was delayed due to technical issues.
“We have given ample time,” he said after a briefing about the VEP implementation at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex on Thursday.
