New Rule Alert: COE Must Have Over 6 Months Validity for Malaysia VEP

Important Notice for Singapore Motorists

Planning a trip to Malaysia with your car? There's an important new requirement you must know — your COE must have more than 6 months of validity before you can apply for the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP).

This rule, confirmed by Malaysia's Transport Minister Anthony Loke, is now officially in effect. If you're heading to Johor Bahru or beyond, read this first.

At MyMechanic, we help car owners successfully register and activate their VEP and RFID tags — stress-free and fully compliant with Malaysia's updated regulations.

No Short-Term COEs Allowed

Vehicles with 6 months or less remaining on their Certificate of Entitlement (COE) are no longer eligible to apply for or renew a VEP.

This means you'll need to renew your COE first, even if you only plan to visit Malaysia temporarily.

Why This Rule Was Introduced

Malaysia's new VEP regulation is aimed at:

• Preventing the illegal resale and plate cloning of end-of-life vehicles
• Avoiding abuse of cars nearing deregistration
• Improving cross-border compliance under the country's new digital monitoring system

According to AsiaOne, Mothership, and Singapore Uncensored, the Transport Ministry is enforcing this rule to improve transparency and road safety.

Penalties & Enforcement at the Border

Since July 1, Malaysia has started enforcing the new VEP rule strictly at Johor checkpoints.

Vehicles without a valid VEP and active RFID tag can be fined RM 300 on the spot. Reports say multiple Singapore motorists were penalized within the first hour of enforcement.

This highlights how seriously Malaysian authorities are taking the regulation. If you thought you could still "squeeze through" with a nearly expired COE — think again.

Business Impact Across the Border

This stricter policy is already affecting cross-border traffic.

• Businesses in Johor have reported fewer Singaporean visitors
• Weekend tourism and short-term travel are seeing noticeable drops

Just like a passport is essential for you, the COE+VEP+RFID combo is now essential for your car.

Welcome to the new normal of cross-border travel.

Action Checklist for Cross-Border Drivers

Here's what every Singapore car owner must do before heading to Malaysia:

Check your COE validity

If you have 6 months or less left, renew it immediately.

Ensure VEP and RFID compliance

Make sure both are approved and activated.

Monitor border updates

Expect tighter checks and possible delays.

Budget for COE renewal

It's an added cost, but required for eligibility.

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

Cross-strait travel between Singapore and Malaysia is tightening.

With the COE 6-month rule, there's now an extra layer of compliance beyond just insurance, tolls, and VEP.

If your COE is expiring soon and you haven't taken action, you risk rejection or fines at the border.

At MyMechanic, we help drivers like you navigate the new system, quickly and correctly.

Key Notes to Remember

• COE renewal costs in Singapore remain steep — often above S$100k
• VEP enforcement is active under Malaysia's new digital monitoring system

Frequently Asked Questions