SEAToday.com, Singapore – Hundreds of Singapore drivers flocked to a newly opened Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) information counter in Woodlands. They seek for assistance with their VEP applications for Malaysia.

The counter is located at Woodlands Industrial Park E5. It was opened without any fanfare in the morning. But by midday, a crowd of over 200 drivers gathered seeking help.

The staff eventually had to stop issuing queue numbers due to the overwhelming demand. Some drivers even asked to return the next day.

Malaysia in May announced that all foreign-registered vehicles entering the country by land from Singapore will be required to use VEPs from October, 1.

Vehicles that have been registered will be fitted with a Radio Frequency identification or RFID tag that costs RM10 (US$2.28). The RFID tags, which uniquely identify each vehicle, are non-transferable.

Any foreign motor vehicle without a Vehicle Entry Permit entering Malaysia from that date will be fined up to RM2,000 or jailed for up to six months.

The Woodlands counter only provides guidance on the application process, while the Radio Frequency Identification tag installation and collection must be completed at the Danga Bay Center in Johor or via mail.

Currently, all foreign-registered cars entering Malaysia by road via Johor need to pay a levy. Singapore-registered vehicles are required to pay a road charge of RM20 for entering via the Woodlands Causeway and Tuas Second Link checkpoints, which are among the busiest in the world. Motorcycles are excluded from these charges.