The implementation of Malaysia’s Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) policy on October 1st started off quietly, with lighter than usual traffic at the Woodlands Causeway and drivers entering Johor without the permit not receiving any reminders from Malaysian authorities. A senior official from Malaysia’s Road Transport Department stated that drivers who have received a warning may continue to make subsequent trips into Johor, as the Ministry of Transport has not set any restrictions on entry.
Despite the announcement from the JPJ that drivers without a VEP would receive reminders when driving into Malaysia from October 1st, CNA spoke to a dozen drivers who entered Johor from Singapore on Tuesday morning and did not receive any reminders at the Causeway. The lack of reminders was perplexing for drivers like Mr. Paval Khemlani, who crossed the Causeway without a VEP installed and did not receive any notifications regarding the policy.
The official from Malaysia’s Road Transport Department mentioned that there are currently no restrictions preventing drivers without a VEP from entering Johor and did not name a specific date for when enforcement might start. The lack of clarity and the absence of reminders for drivers crossing the Causeway has left many questioning the implementation of the VEP policy and unsure of what to expect in the future.
With no clear instructions or enforcement measures in place, the VEP policy seems to have gotten off to a slow and unclear start on October 1st. Drivers entering Johor without the permit are left in a state of uncertainty, unsure of when reminders or warnings may be issued and what consequences they may face in the future for not complying with the policy.
Despite the announcements and plans laid out by the JPJ, drivers like Mr. Khemlani have found themselves crossing the Causeway without a VEP and without any immediate consequences. The lack of reminders from Malaysian authorities at the border has added to the confusion and uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the VEP policy.
As drivers continue to enter Johor without the VEP and without clear enforcement of the policy, it remains to be seen how Malaysian authorities will handle the situation going forward. With no restrictions in place currently, drivers may continue to enter Johor without consequences, leading to questions about the effectiveness and implementation of the VEP policy.
