Title: Singaporean Firms Witness Surge in Demand for Malaysia’s VEP Services During Festive Season
Singaporean car owners have been flocking to apply for Malaysia’s Vehicle Entry Permits (VEPs) to drive across the Causeway during the year-end festive season and leading up to Chinese New Year in January. Companies providing assistance with applications have reported a significant increase in demand in recent weeks.
Increased Demand for VEP Services
Innox Group, a firm that helps motorists with VEP applications, has experienced a surge in customers since the October deadline for mandatory VEP tags was first announced. General manager Christopher Leow shared that demand peaked in September with about 80 applicants daily, before stabilizing at 20 to 30 per day in November. Currently, the company is assisting 30 to 40 customers daily. Most clients are either individuals who travel frequently between Singapore and Malaysia for work or those with family across the border.
Security Concerns and Pricing
Another service provider, First VEP Solutions, has also seen a rise in business. Director Anthony Lee attributed the increase to more people planning trips to Malaysia during the festive period, particularly for Christmas and Chinese New Year. The company charges S$130 (US$96) per application, ensuring data security for customers. However, some drivers opt for cheaper services on e-commerce platforms priced as low as S$40.
Humanizing Touch
Among the freelance VEP assistants catering to this demand is Christine Goh, who started offering assistance after realizing the challenges faced by elderly and non-tech-savvy Singaporeans in applying for VEPs. Ms. Goh noted a growing demand for her services during the festive season and emphasized the importance of data privacy by clearing customers’ information after each application.
The Importance of VEP
Following Malaysia’s May announcement, Singaporean drivers rushed to register VEPs for their vehicles, causing delays in obtaining RFID tags and long queues at installation centers. Despite initial concerns, Malaysia’s Road Transport Department later announced a phased execution of VEP enforcement, allowing Singaporean cars without tags to enter the country after the October 1 deadline. Failure to comply may result in fines or jail time as per Malaysian regulations.
In conclusion, the increased demand for VEP services underscores the importance of timely application and compliance with regulatory requirements when traveling between Singapore and Malaysia. As the festive season approaches, motorists are advised to prioritize data security and seek reliable assistance to navigate the VEP process smoothly.
