Singaporean Drivers Left Stranded at Closed VEP Woodlands Centre

Around 50 Singaporean drivers faced frustration on New Year’s Day after arriving at the Woodlands Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) information centre, only to find it closed. The centre, which issues mandatory VEP tags for foreign-registered vehicles entering Malaysia, was unexpectedly shut despite scheduled appointments made via the online system.

Malaysia mandates VEP tags for foreign-registered vehicles entering the country, with penalties of up to RM2,000 or six months' jail for non-compliance. Although enforcement was initially set for October 1, 2024, Malaysian authorities announced a phased implementation in September, allowing vehicles without VEP tags to enter temporarily. Drivers are currently reminded at border crossings to register, install, and activate their radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, with warning notices issued for non-compliance when exiting Malaysia.

Madam Yang, 56, who had a 9am appointment, arrived early only to find a locked office and a dark corridor. "The centre wasn’t open at all. I waited until 9.20am before leaving," she said, questioning why bookings were allowed on a public holiday when the centre was not operational. Similarly, Mr Huang, 64, who secured a 2pm slot, arrived early in the morning to familiarise himself with the process but was also met with disappointment.

According to reports, nearly 50 vehicles showed up throughout the morning. By noon, two police officers arrived and informed drivers still waiting that the centre would not open. The officers advised the motorists to leave.

When contacted, the manager of the Woodlands VEP information centre, Mr. Huang Bao Xing, said he was unaware of the issue until reporters reached out. He suggested that a technical glitch might have caused the problem. A notice outside the centre clearly states its operating hours as Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, excluding public holidays.

Mr Philos, 37, who booked his Jan 1 appointment back in October, said it was the only available slot. Meanwhile, Mr Ma Du, 28, an employee at a car wash below the VEP centre, witnessed drivers arriving as early as 8am, only to leave dissatisfied after discovering the centre’s closure.

The incident has highlighted the need for better communication and system checks to prevent such inconveniences in the future. Drivers expressed disappointment, particularly given the long wait times to secure appointments. Many will now have to rebook their slots, potentially delaying their ability to comply with Malaysia’s VEP regulations.

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