BUKIT KAYU HITAM (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - The Malaysian Government is studying the possibility of imposing a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) for vehicles entering Malaysia from Thailand.

Deputy Transport Minister Abdul Aziz Kaprawi said the move was aimed at curbing Thai van and taxi operators from misusing the privilege of being allowed to operate up to 2km inside the Malaysian border.

"Many Thai vehicles violate the rules by sending their passengers all the way to Kuala Lumpur. This has badly affected the income of our taxi drivers," he told a press conference at the Anti-Smuggling Unit Complex here on Tuesday.

He hoped the ruling could be implemented from Jan 1 next year, when the VEP for vehicles entering from Singapore takes effect.

On Aug 1, Singapore increased VEP charges on foreign-registered vehicles entering the republic, from S$20 to S$35 daily, and for Goods Vehicle Permit from S$10 to S$40 monthly.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said Malaysia would also impose the VEP on foreign vehicles entering the country from Singapore via Johor.