The Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) information counter located on the third floor of 186 Woodlands Industrial Park E5 will become a collection point for the radio frequency identification (RFID) tag starting from 18 September. This counter will later expand its services to assist motorists with the installation of these tags. The Straits Times reported that preparations for this change are currently underway.
## Background
The MY VEP office in Woodlands operates in collaboration with TCSens, a company appointed by the Malaysian Transport Ministry. Singapore motorists currently have the option to travel to Danga Bay in Johor to collect the tag in person or have it sent by post. Receiving the tag via postage in Singapore costs between RM13.60 (S$4.10) and RM167.22 (S$50.20), depending on the delivery address and logistics company. The RFID tag is required by Malaysian authorities to identify foreign-registered vehicles and can be used to pay the RM20 (S$6) road charge levied on foreign vehicles entering Malaysia, as well as toll fees on Malaysian highways. Motorists entering Malaysia without a VEP tag from 1 October risk a fine of up to RM2,000 (S$600) or a jail term of up to six months.
## VEP info centre expanding services
The option to select Woodlands as the location to collect the VEP tag started on 3 September. The total fee for self-collection is S$42, while collecting the tag in Singapore costs S$39, plus a processing fee of RM10 (S$3) for the tag. Changes are being made to also assist motorists with the installation of the tags. A spokesperson told The Straits Times that the target is to install the tags on up to 50 vehicles a day initially, and operating hours will be extended if necessary. Currently, the counter is open on weekdays from 9am to 5pm.
## Additional information
Before the opening of the Woodlands counter, Singapore motorists had to travel to Danga Bay, Johor Bahru, for assistance with their VEP applications. The collaboration between MY VEP and TCSens aims to streamline the process for Singapore motorists, making it more convenient to comply with Malaysian regulations. The introduction of the RFID tag collection and installation services at Woodlands is expected to significantly reduce the hassle for motorists travelling to Malaysia. Future developments may include further expansions of service hours and additional support for motorists to ensure smooth cross-border travel.
