A complete guide to driving into Malaysia from Singapore

Borders between Singapore and Malaysia have been opened for over a year since the cessation of the COVID-19 outbreak. Many citizens seek to reunite with their loved ones more frequently after not being able to see each other for a long time.

You may be tempted to make a road trip from Singapore to Malaysia at any time. However, if you are driving to Malaysia from Singapore, you need to be aware of the rules and regulations.

In this Pacific Prime CXA article, we will answer frequently asked questions about the Singapore to Malaysia road trip, such as:

How to drive to Malaysia from Singapore?
How to apply for a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) for a Singapore car to Malaysia?
How do you stay safe and secure on your road journey from Singapore to Malaysia?
And more.

Driving to Malaysia

Unlike early to mid-2022, there are no entry requirements for Malaysia. As COVID measures lifted, all travelers are welcome to visit Malaysia regardless of vaccination status. You do not need to worry about needing to take additional tests or being quarantined upon arrival at the border.

Travelers may be requested to download and activate the MySejahtera application before or after arrival to Malaysia to indicate their COVID-19 risk status while staying in Malaysia. The COVID-19 risk status in MySejahtera may be checked upon entering the premises.

Essential Documents You Need to Carry with You

You won’t want your planned road trip to be canceled just because you forgot to bring a few sheets of paper. When traveling to Malaysia from Singapore by road, make sure to always carry the following documents with you, as they are mandatory:

Passport

Your passport must be valid for more than 6 months in order for you to enter Malaysia. Remember to check whether your passport has been properly stamped both at the entry and exit immigration checkpoints.

Driving License

You need to hold a valid driving license to be able to drive in both Singapore and Malaysia. Your National Driver’s License is accepted in Malaysia without the need to apply for an International Driving Permit. With that, you are then free to drive on Malaysian roads during your stay of less than 90 days.

VEP

Motor vehicles registered in Singapore need a VEP. It is mandatory to enter Malaysia via land border crossing. Now, if you are wondering how to secure a VEP for your vehicle, you need to register online via the VEP-JPJ portal and update your personal and vehicle details.

Once you have registered online, you will get the confirmation of successful registration, and then you will have to take the car to one of the following four official centers to get your tag installed:

Gelang Patah Southbound RnR (Rest & Relaxation)
Plaza Angsana Open Carpark C
Pandan RnR
Lima Kedai Toll Plaza

Before you go to the center, make sure to carry your VEP confirmation slip, VEP-RFID tag appointment, photocopy of your passport and insurance, and registration documents of your car.

Touch ‘n Go (TNG) card

When you are driving to Malaysia from Singapore, you will come across many tolls, and a TNG card can solely take care of all your toll payments. Note that the Ez Link x TNG – a dual currency smart card can be used in both countries for contactless payments at toll gates.

In Malaysia, you can use your TNG cards for:

Highway tolls
Checkpoint tolls
Parking
Buses
Retail and dining

Where Can You Find and Top-Up Ez Link x TNG Cards?

You can find these cards at selected 7-Eleven stores and petrol stations across Singapore. You could top up the card at one of the stores or via the Touch ‘n Go e-wallet app.

What is Driving Like in Malaysia for a Singaporean?

The roads and road cultures may differ in Malaysia compared to the Lion City. So, it’s better for you to mentally prepare yourself for possible traffic jams, occasional logjams, and long wait times at bottlenecks around the capital of Kuala Lumpur.

One thing to bear in mind is that you are now required to have at least 3/4th of your fuel tank filled before driving to Malaysia. Failing to do so can result in a hefty fine.

With that said, you will still be glad to know that the driving rules mostly overlap in both countries, including no phones while driving, headlights to be on from 7 p.m. – 7 a.m., and more.

How to Stay Safe and Secure on Your Road Trip from Singapore to Malaysia

Here are some safety tips that can come in handy during your road trip:

Check your headlights.
The tires are in good condition and not worn out.
The windshield wipers are functioning properly.
The brakes and other internal accessories are working.
Remember to lock your car every time you step away.
Do not keep any valuables in the car, including passports and electronics.
Park your car in validated and secured parking spots overnight.
Pick well-lit and often traveled roads, especially during the night.
The Emergency Response Service number in Malaysia is 999.

Secure Car Insurance and Health Insurance

Whether driving in your car or renting a car, car insurance will give you peace of mind in case of an unforeseen event along the way, such as vehicle theft, breakdowns, or road accidents.

And in case you fall sick on your road trip and need to consult a doctor, comprehensive travel insurance can take care of your hospital bills in Malaysia, so that you can feel financially safe without the need to pay anything within coverage.

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About Pacific Prime Singapore

With over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, Pacific Prime CXA can help you find the right insurance plan that meets both your requirements and budget.

From individual health insurance to short-term and travel insurance, insurance experts at Pacific Prime have helped thousands of expats across the world choose the right insurance plan from a choice of the world’s best insurers.

So, get in touch with Pacific Prime CXA today for a FREE quote or a piece of unbiased advice!

Eric is an experienced content writer specializing in writing creative copies of marketing materials including social media posts, advertisements, landing pages, and video scripts.

Since joining Pacific Prime, Eric was exposed to a new world of insurance. Having learned about insurance products extensively, he has taken joy and satisfaction in helping individuals and businesses manage risks and protect themselves against financial loss through the power of words.

Although born and raised in Hong Kong, he spent a quarter of his life living and studying in the UK. He believes his multicultural experience is a great asset in understanding the needs and wants of expats and globe-trotters.

Eric’s strengths lie in his strong research, analytical, and communication skills, obtained through his BA in Linguistics from the University of York and MSc in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Bristol.

Outside of work, he enjoys some me-time gaming and reading on his own, occasionally going absolutely mental on a night out with friends.

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