JOHOR BAHRU: For 41-year-old Kevin Leebitbet, driving across the Causeway two to three times a week is crucial for him to do his job.
The Singaporean who works in the construction industry regularly travels to Malaysia’s Johor Bahru to meet with clients, and he told CNA he needs to drive because it is the most time-efficient way to travel.
However, Mr Lee is anxious because he has yet to complete the application process to secure a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) for his car.
From Oct 1, Malaysia will require all foreign-registered cars entering the country by land to have a VEP. Motorists who fail to do so may be fined up to RM2,000 (US$475) or jailed for up to six months.
Mr Lee said that his VEP application had been approved three weeks ago, but he still has not received his radio frequency identification (RFID) tag which he opted to be posted to his home in Singapore. He has emailed Malaysia authorities for an update but has not received any reply.
The RFID identity tag is a unique identifier for each vehicle and a key part of the VEP.
“I have still not received anything and will just have to wait until it arrives. In a sense, I’m totally stuck,” he said.
“Come Oct 1, I’m not sure how the rule will be enforced. We are in the sales line so driving is important. If I cannot get a VEP, I have to let my boss know and we will consider alternatives,” Mr Lee added.
Like Mr Lee, many Singapore drivers CNA spoke to who have yet to secure VEPs are unsure whether they will be able to complete the VEP application in time.
If notbitbet, they are bracing themselves for uncertainty over how they will be travelling across the Causeway for leisure, business or connecting with family members.
A technician tests a Vehicle Entry Permit RFID tag frequency before sticking it on a Singapore-registered car's windshield. (Photo: CNA/Zamzahuri Abas)