As Singaporeans, Malaysia is one of Singaporeans’ favorite holiday destinations to visit because of its proximity, rich and savory food that we’re all familiar with, and most importantly the country has a favorable exchange rate. You can use various choices of accommodation, such as plane, ship, and car. Of course, you will need to follow the requirement as you are not local.

Starting from 22 April 2022, fully vaccinated travelers and non-fully vaccinated children aged 12 and below can enter Malaysia without quarantine or tests, including if you want to drive your car to Malaysia. Whether it is a quick day trip or a long weekend holiday to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Melaka, you will need additional regulations to obey.

As you drive your own car, all foreign vehicles entering Malaysia require a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP). In 2017, Malaysia announced that all foreign-registered vehicles entering the country will need a VEP. The regulation will require you to register your car to protect the country from car theft and cloning syndicates. Also, it will prevent vehicles with fines from leaving the country, if you do it lately.

You can apply for VEP by completing the online application. After you finish the process, you will receive a confirmation slip, which confirms that your VEP can be used when you drive around the country. But, before the VEP RFID is confirmed to be used, you will be given a registered Touch ’n Go card that can be used until your VEP RFID tag has been activated.

It is to allow you to enter the country, because any vehicle that is found without the VEP-RFID tag or VEP registration details, including the Touch ‘n Go card, you won't be allowed to enter Malaysia. The confirmation will be sent to you via email, and if you can't show it, you will be fined a penalty of RM150 or approximately S$50.

To make it quick and easy, here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Malaysian VEP as a Singaporean. Check it out!

First, go visit the VEP portal and register yourself. For your information, you can only register for a VEP online at the official VEP portal, if you do it on other sites or ways, that surely won't work.

Before you sign up for your application, you must create an account for your validation. Also, this account can be used to view any updates on the status of your application, that can be the rejection or confirmation. You must remember your account details in case there is fraud and to avoid any hassle.

At the start, you will be asked to input your personal details, including your validation of owning a registered and legal vehicle. Also, your vehicle information, from the size, type, color, year produced, and other details.

You must sign up by using the email address that you use to register your details using your passport number for foreigners or NRIC that cannot be amended or deleted. Just make sure that you will continue to have access to it for regular use.

This registered VEP account may be used to register more than one vehicle at a time and the VEP will be valid as long as you are visiting Malaysia. In case for the legal purpose, remember to deactivate your vehicle on your VEP account when you are no longer the owner, like you had your vehicle be sold or given to other people. If you skip the phase and there are any penalties on your sold vehicle in Malaysia, it will still be attributed and accrued to you and your account.

Quick tips, just avoid filling in the application form manually, by uploading a PDF file of your car registration. The PDF file can be downloaded from the official LTA website of OneMotoring.

After finishing your vehicle registration, just wait until your car or motorcycle has been confirmed by the VEP RFID.

You will need to download Touch 'n Go eWallet from Apple Store or Google App Store to your phone. The Touch 'n Go eWallet will be used for the validation of your VEP and the application is linked to the VEP-RFID of your collection. You can download the application, even before your registration process has been confirmed.

You can use the eWallet to reload your Touch ‘n Go Card for paying your road charge to enter Malaysia with your car. The money you need to pay will be credited automatically from the eWallet, so just be cautious when selecting your ID for validating your Touch ‘n Go Card.

If you get the process wrong, this may cause your eWallet and VEP to be mismatched, and your status will be suspended. Also, the mismatching could result in you not being able to obtain your VEP-RFID tag straight away and you can enter Malaysia legally with your car. But, you can create another account and start the registration process. Quick tips, just choose NRIC as the ID type in the Touch 'n Go eWallet for you as a Singaporeans.

The Road Transport Department of Malaysia will contact you via your registered email address to confirm your postal address where the RFID tag will be delivered with instructions for attachment to your car’s windshield.

Then, the RFID tags that are equipped with RFID technology will automatically detect your car at Malaysia’s customs. The tag will be active for 5 years, but you will need to apply for a renewal at least 6 months before the expiry date. Once your registration for the VEP is successful, you’ll receive a confirmation email.

For your information, Road Charge will resume from 8 April onwards where drivers of Singapore-registered vehicles will have to pay RM20 (S$6.40) for entry at either of Malaysia's land checkpoints, namely Woodlands or Tuas Second Link.

Singaporean drivers can use the Touch ‘n Go eWallet with Malaysia currency and has to be topped up in the respective countries.

As you drive your own car to enter Malaysia, you will need to have some essential things on hand, here is what you will need in your pocket!

You will need a passport as a valid identity with at least 6 months of validity that has been registered and activated to be completed within three days of arriving at the checkpoints to enter the country. Also, it will be used when you come back to Singapore.

You will need to complete a full dose of a COVID-19 vaccine recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). For information, children aged 12 and below will be allowed to enter without the need to show proof of vaccination, but those aged 60 and above are required to get a third dose of the vaccine to enter Malaysia.

You need to add your funds to your Touch 'n Go to pay any allowance for your car when driving in Malaysia. Just make sure that your eWallet has sufficient balance to pay for the Road Charge

As a newcomer with a car, you need to know how to drive safely within the country. Same as in any other country, there have been many horror stories about robberies and stolen cars, even in Malaysia, but you can ensure your safety by doing some easy tips, like planning your route, always locking your car when you are away, never leave valuables in the car, especially your mobile phones, cash cards or bags.

You can also minimize the chance of robberies by parking the car in a hotel or secured private parking space if you plan to park overnight, using a steering wheel lock to secure your parked car, and installing a GPS tracking system to trace your car should it be hijacked.

To help you navigate around Malaysia, you should use GPS, Google Maps or Waze. But, do not be overly on the GPS as they often recommend the “shortest” path. That can mean the small side roads that might get you stuck in a heavy traffic jam.

Whenever you get unsure of your way or get lost, just stop and find a rest area or service station to halt and recalibrate your route. Don't ever stop in the emergency lane of the toll or you will be stated as a violation. On the highway, if you miss the exit, do not panic, and just drive to the next available exit.

Plan your petrol refuels and carefully monitor your fuel gauge as some stretches of road will not have a petrol station for over 40 km. You can stop for food and toilet breaks also. For the last tip, just choose to stop at a popular area so you won't be targeted by the robber and to ensure your safety and your family.

For the easiest traveling trip preparation, you only need to book a Singapore to Kuala Lumpur flight which can be booked on Traveloka. Come and check Traveloka now to get special prices!