A new information counter for drivers in Singapore to enquire about Malaysia’s Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) began operations in Woodlands without much fanfare. The location of the office was not publicly announced but was discovered by CNA through a staff member at TCSens office in Johor’s Danga Bay. The office, located at 186 Woodlands Industrial Park E5, was empty when CNA arrived, and there were no signs indicating it was the VEP information centre.
Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke had announced earlier this month that a VEP information counter would be opened in Woodlands to assist drivers with their queries. The counter, operated by a Singapore firm in collaboration with TCSens, officially started operations on Monday. Staff members arrived to set up the office, which included two rows of chairs, six information counters, and a TV screen. However, there were no drivers observed at the office during the first hour of operation.
One driver, Mr. Jackson Tan, who arrived at the office at 10.20am, had found out about the location from a friend who enquired at TCSens’ Johor Bahru office. The office manager, Mr. Ng Poh Heng, explained that the office is strictly for enquiries and provides guidance on VEP application requirements for Singaporeans. This allows Singaporeans to ask questions face-to-face without having to travel to Johor Bahru. However, drivers are not able to install or collect their radio frequency identification (RFID) tag at the office.
Despite the lack of publicity surrounding the opening of the VEP information counter in Woodlands, drivers like Mr. Tan have been able to find out about its location through word-of-mouth from friends who visited the Johor Bahru office. The centre serves as a convenient place for Singaporeans to seek guidance and support with their VEP applications without having to travel to Malaysia. It aims to streamline the application process and provide a local point of contact for drivers in Singapore.
The initiative to open a VEP information counter in Woodlands is part of efforts to ease the process for drivers to obtain the necessary permits to enter Malaysia. The availability of the information centre in Singapore allows for easier communication and support for drivers facing issues with their VEP applications. While drivers cannot collect or install their RFID tag at the office, they can get their queries addressed and receive guidance on the application process to ensure a smooth experience when entering Malaysia by road.
Overall, the opening of the VEP information centre in Woodlands provides a much-needed service for drivers in Singapore seeking assistance with their Malaysia VEP applications. Despite the lack of public announcement on its location, drivers have been able to find the office through informal channels. The centre serves as a convenient hub for drivers to seek guidance and support, reducing the need for them to travel to Johor Bahru for assistance. This initiative aims to enhance the experience of drivers travelling between Singapore and Malaysia by road.
