Singaporean drivers call for more services at VEP counter in Woodlands

JOHOR BAHRU – Singaporean drivers are calling for more services at the vehicle entry permit (VEP) counter that opened in their country on Aug 19, instead of just handling inquiries.

They hope that this offshore office, operated by Malaysian Transport Ministry-appointed vendor TCSens, can also facilitate VEP applications and installation of the radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.

These requests come in response to Malaysia’s policy requiring all Singapore-registered vehicles entering via the Causeway and the Second Link

to have a valid VEP RFID tag from Oct 1.

A Singaporean who wanted to be known only as Ms Lee said she was upset to learn that she could not collect the RFID tag or have it installed at the counter in Woodlands.

“I have been trying to apply for the permit online since last week, but the system does not allow me to submit my documents,” said the 59-year-old.

“My friends told me to make inquiries at the Woodlands office, but I heard that they only give out 100 numbers daily.”

She said she was willing to comply with the Malaysian rules and regulations, but the process should be made more efficient and convenient for the public.

Another driver, Ms Janet Tan, 40, said she and her husband had been looking forward to the opening of the VEP office, thinking that it would be more convenient after that.

She said her husband went to the office on Aug 21 and was informed that all numbers had been distributed.

“We plan to go there earlier next time. It was frustrating. We are both working and have to take care of our children at the same time,” she said.

It was reported that when Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke visited the VEP centre in Danga Bay on Aug 1, he had instructed for an offshore office to be opened so that Singaporeans did not need to travel all the way there just to make inquiries.

E-hailing driver Yusoff Kader was glad to collect his RFID tag on Aug 10.

“Two of the counter’s employees assisted me and helped me install the RFID tag on my car windscreen,” he said, adding that he was relieved to have his VEP ready as he travels to Johor Bahru weekly to visit relatives and enjoy the delicious food.

The 60-year-old said he had to make two trips for the application and added that his first appointment was scheduled for Aug 9, but he could not make it due to the extremely heavy traffic jam on the Causeway.

“It coincided with the Singapore National Day, so the traffic congestion was worse than usual,” he said. “I turned back after becoming stuck in the jam for about an hour.”

Mr Yusoff said he went back the following day and was glad to see a small crowd.

“After submitting everything, they provided me with a collection date, which I prefer over postage. The staff were quite helpful despite me missing my first appointment date,” he added. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK