Malaysia Travel Checklist
1: Choose a Malaysia-enabled car
Use the "Malaysia eligible" filter when browsing.
Check individual listings for cross-border approval.
2: Confirm travel to Malaysia with the car owner
Even if a listing allows Malaysia travel, message the owner and require the following:
Confirm cross-border approval.
Get written confirmation of any special conditions.
3: Check for valid and updated COE, VEP, and Insurance
Insurance Coverage:
Coverage applies in Malaysia only if all of the following are met:
The car is marked for cross-border use.
The trip is authorized by the owner.
There is an active booking on the Drive lah Trip page.
VEP (Vehicle Entry Permit):
Mandatory from July 1, 2025, for all foreign cars entering Malaysia.
Always confirm with the owner that the car has a valid and activated VEP tag.
If the VEP is not activated, contact Drive lah Support to assist the host with registration.
Important: Without an activated VEP for the vehicle, Malaysian authorities will impose a RM300 fine at the land checkpoint upon entry.
It is generally acceptable to bring the VEP (Vehicle Entry Permit) only without installing the RFID tag when entering Malaysia - if the host prefers not to install it. However, this depends on the entry point and how toll payments will be handled while in Malaysia.
If your VEP status shows “Pending for Acknowledgment,” it means you still need to confirm receipt of your RFID tag.
According to JPJ regulations, the VEP and RFID tag are issued as a single, complete package, and both are required to complete your VEP registration.
While it is the car owner's personal choice whether or not to install the RFID tag, the RFID is not optional under JPJ regulations as the VEP cannot be activated without the RFID.
Where and How It's Charged:
Malaysian Road Transport Department (JPJ) officers set up checkpoints just past the immigration checkpoint, around 100 meters after entering Malaysia via the Johor–Singapore Causeway or Second Link.
The fine is issued on the spot, and payment must be made immediately via cashless methods (JPJ counters, mobile units, or online through MyEG). The vehicle isn’t allowed to enter Malaysia until the RM 300 fee is settled and the VEP is valid.
Learn more or apply: https://vep.jpj.gov.my
Toll & Payment Requirements:
Singapore: Bring a NETS CashCard to exit Singapore via tolls.
Malaysia: Bring a topped-up Touch ’n Go (TnG) card for toll payments.
These are needed if the RFID-linked e-wallet has insufficient funds.
Even if the vehicle has RFID, having a TnG card is a useful backup to avoid delays.
Note: It is generally okay to have a VEP (Vehicle Entry Permit) ONLY without installing the RFID tag when entering Malaysia (if host prefers not to install it), but it depends on where you're entering and how you plan to pay for tolls while in the country.
Key Points:
1. VEP (Vehicle Entry Permit) – Mandatory
For foreign-registered vehicles (especially Singapore-registered vehicles), a VEP is required to enter Malaysia.
The VEP helps Malaysian authorities track and manage foreign vehicles.
You need to register online and usually collect a VEP RFID tag, which links your car to your VEP profile.
2. RFID for Tolls – Optional but Highly Recommended
RFID (Touch 'n Go RFID) is one of several ways to pay tolls in Malaysia:
RFID
Touch 'n Go card
SmartTAG
You don’t need an RFID tag to enter Malaysia, but you must have a valid way to pay tolls on Malaysian highways.
If you did not install the RFID tag:
You can still pay using a Touch 'n Go card or SmartTAG (if available at the toll plaza).
Some lanes are RFID-only, so you must avoid those if you don’t have an RFID tag.
3. Toll charges paid by RFID - next actions
The guest MUST reimburse the host for any RFID toll charges incurred during their trip at the time of drop-off.
IF the guest does not settle the toll charges directly with the host upon drop-off, a processing fee may apply if the host needs to escalate the matter with Drive lah.
Important Restrictions
Do NOT cross the border without owner’s explicit approval.
Doing so violates Drive lah policy and insurance coverage.
Insurance only covers:
Singapore, West Malaysia, and Thailand (within 80km of the Malaysia border).
Also covers direct sea transit routes:
Penang ↔ Mainland West Malaysia
Changi Point (SG) ↔ Tanjong Belungkor (Johor)
Penalties
Violation | Consequence |
Driving into Malaysia without VEP | RM 300 on-the-spot fine; cannot leave Malaysia until paid & VEP activated |
Unauthorized cross-border trip | Policy violation, potential fines & insurance invalidation |
For more information on Fines related to Drive lah policy violations, please refer to our Fees & Fines Policy - here