VEP: Vehicle traffic from Singapore back to normal

JOHOR BARU: The number of vehicles crossing to Johor from Singapore has returned to normal despite the implementation of the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP), says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

He said that while there was a drop in the number of Singaporean vehicles in the first two days since the implementation of the VEP, the situation has gone back to normal.

“I have been receiving reports on a daily basis on the number of cars coming in, and the number has already gone back to normal.

“Yes, there were some (traffic volume) reductions on Oct 1 and 2. However, after I went down and gave my assurance on Oct 3, there was no more reduction,” he told a press conference after opening the Johor DAP convention here today.

He also stressed that for now, no action will be taken against those who have yet to complete their VEP registration, and the ministry will announce when the implementation of the VEP goes into full force.

“I already gave my assurance, and this is a ministerial assurance. For now, there will be no fines, only reminders for them to install their VEP as soon as possible.

“I think the assurance has been well-received by Singaporeans based on the daily reports on the number of cars I have received.

“For the first phase, we are just giving reminders, but for now, I will not be giving a specific dateline as I do not want people to wait until the last minute to register for the VEP,” he said to the media.

The Star earlier reported that business groups here have seen fewer Singaporeans entering Johor since the implementation of the VEP on Oct 1.

On Oct 3, Loke said Singapore motorists whose VEP applications are still in progress will not face any action from the authorities at both of Johor’s land checkpoints.

However, he urged them to apply for the permit without delay despite being allowed to enter and exit Johor following the VEP enforcement date on Oct 1.

“The government introduced the VEP in 2019, but the enforcement has been delayed due to technical issues.

“We have given ample time,” he said after a briefing about the VEP implementation at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex on Oct 3.