Singapore’s VEP approval for Malaysians slows due to growing adoption – waiting time now over 35 days

Malaysians rushed to find a way to cross the border with Singapore – where reopen on April 1 – are causing significant delays in the approval of their Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP), which is required for entry into the island republic. Bernama reported a long queue at the Autopass issuance office on Jalan Tun Abdul Razak Susur 1/1 in Johor Bahru yesterday, starting as early as 7am.

According to the national news agency, a businessman said the neighboring country was making it more difficult for people to enter, adding that he was asked to wait 14 days to receive a response to the application. his signature. The individual, who just wanted to be known as Michael, used public transport to go to Singapore to do his banking, after learning that his account had been used by someone else to make online transactions.

“I think the Singapore government is trying to control cars coming from Johor. For example, the new process caused a lot of inconvenience for us, especially Johore people, when coming to Singapore. Mr. Michael said.

Another applicant, cab driver Mohamad Faizi, said his approval process was smooth, taking just three days. “At first, there was confusion about the system but after that, everything went smoothly. Thankfully, I didn’t have to wait any longer for it to be approved. I applied online on March 31 and was approved three days later.

“However, they [the authority] want to have a valid and identical name on the motorcycle license, insurance and road tax before continuing to apply. Who wants to use someone else’s car, it [the application] will be rejected,” he said, adding that he will return to Singapore to work as a bus captain.

The application process has also confused motorists, with a housewife, Suhaida Yusoff, having to arrange her husband’s application at the office after it was rejected. “I applied online at the office here because I didn’t understand the process.

“I arrived as early as 7am today, after one of the claims was denied yesterday. What is needed is insurance and motorcycle certification,” she said. According to her, her husband – who works as a supervisor in Singapore – has been able to commute daily by Autopass for 23 years without any problems.

For its part, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) advises applicants on 24 March to plan their entry at least two weeks in advance to allow enough time for their VEP to be approved. The agency said it may require a longer time to process applications due to the expected increase, adding that it will update the VEP Digital Service on the OneMotoring website from March 24 to 30.

Actual applications may take even longer. One person we spoke to said he has been offered an expected waiting time of up to 35 days for a response to his application and several others are now being told to wait up to 40 days.

For those who come the other way, RM20 Free Road (RC) for car drivers in Singapore enter Malaysia on the Johor Causeway and the second Link will be ends at midnight, Bernama also reported. In a press release, PLUS Malaysia said it will continue to charge normal fees from tomorrow onwards and motorists should ensure their Touch ‘n Go card and eWallet have sufficient balance.