05/06/2025

THURSDAY | JUNE 5, 2025

3 VEP system to be enforced starting July 1

Cabinet to receive report on FRU

truck crash next week

PUTRAJAYA: The preliminary report by the special task force investigating the fatal crash involving members of the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) in Teluk Intan, Perak, will be presented to the Cabinet next week. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the task force had been given 30 days to complete the report. “It will be tabled at the Cabinet meeting next week. “I will brief the Cabinet before we decide on the next course of action,” Loke told a press conference at the Transport Ministry headquarters yesterday. The task force comprises experts and representatives from key related agencies, and is chaired by the ministry’s chief air accident Inspector Brig Gen Tan Chee Kee. In the 8.50am incident on May 13, nine FRU personnel were killed when the truck they were travelling in collided with a lorry carrying gravel stones on Jalan Chikus-Sungai Lampam, Teluk Intan while returning to their base in Sungai Senam in Ipoh. Police said the cause of the accident was believed to have been from the lorry’s faulty steering. “The FRU vehicle was struck head on by the sand lorry,” Perak police chief Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin said in a statement. The nine who died were S. Perumal, 44, Mohd Roslan Abd Rahim, 46, Mohd Pozli Jaudin, 41, Nurit AK Pandak, 34, Amiruddin Zabri, 38, Mohamad Hilmi Mohd Azlan, 38, Akmal Muhamad, 35, Damarrulan Abdul Latif, 33 and Akmal Wafi Annuar, 28. – By Harith Kamal Seized electrical goods worth RM1.7m destroyed PUTRAJAYA: The Energy Commission has disposed of 2,933 seized items, valued at over RM1.7 million on June 3, following investigations into various violations of laws related to electrical safety and usage. According to the commission, the disposal involved items from cases in Perlis, Kedah and Penang, covering 21 investigation papers that were resolved through court rulings and compound settlements. Of the total, 16 involved electrical accident cases, four electricity theft operations and one, the use of illegal electrical equipment. “The disposal process was conducted at a licensed metal disposal centre in Balakong, Selangor, and was witnessed by Energy Commission enforcement and regional operations director Ismail Zaili Yusop and investigation unit deputy director Nik Mohd Bakhry Abu Bakar,” said the commission in a statement. It added it was carried out in accordance with the instructions of the Deputy Public Prosecutor under Sections 406A and 413 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The process also complies with the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and the Environmental Quality (Scheduled Waste) Regulations 2005. – Bernama

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Entry permit for Singapore-registered vehicles mandatory for access into Malaysia, with violators subject to RM300 fine

but not fully compliant, the owner will be summoned and required to pay,” he said, adding that the same rules apply to private company vehicles without a valid VEP. “In some cases, a reminder notice may be issued to allow temporary exit but vehicle owners must comply to avoid penalties. “We will provide some leeway, as many (Singapore-registered) private company vehicles failed the pre-registration process, which involves multiple steps and extensive company documentation. “We want to avoid inconveniences for everyone, so cooperation is essential,” Loke said. He said summonses can be paid via cashless methods at Road Transport Dept counters, mobile units or online via MyEG services. To avoid congestion, Loke said enforcement checks would not be carried out at the border (Malaysia Singapore) itself. “Inspections will be carried out through scheduled operations at selected locations from time to time, not by stationing officers at the border. “We know which vehicles haven’t registered – the system automatically detects those without valid VEPs.” Beyond enforcement, Loke highlighted VEP’s role in facilitating smoother traffic flow and enhancing Malaysia Singapore relations. “The initiative reflects our commitment to effective border management while respecting the close ties between our countries. “RTD continues to monitor compliance closely and has already issued summonses to foreign vehicle owners who are unregistered or whose VEP tags are inactive. “Vehicle owners are encouraged to register and activate their VEP tags promptly via the official RTD website or at service centres located at the Causeway and Second Link. “Ultimately, this is about creating a safer, more efficient travel experience for everyone.” “This is why we want to improve things further – with platform screen doors that can help prevent such incidents from happening in the first place.” Loke also referred to a similar incident three months ago, where a visually impaired man was found dead at another LRT station, further reinforcing the urgent need to enhance safety infrastructure. He said the government is committed to ensuring that public transport is not only efficient but safe for all commuters. – By Harith Kamal

PUTRAJAYA: Starting next month, owners of Singapore-registered vehicles which do not have the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) to enter Malaysia will be fined RM300, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke. “From July 1 onwards, enforcement will be strict. We urge all foreign vehicle owners, especially Singaporean drivers, to complete their VEP registration, install the RFID (radio-frequency identification) tags and activate them immediately. “It will ensure smooth and hassle-free entry and exit at the border,” he said at a press conference at the ministry headquarters yesterday, adding that non-compliance could lead to

As of June 2, more than 231,000 VEP tags have been issued to private vehicle owners, with 195,000 already installed and activated. For private company vehicles, over 2,600 tags have been activated. Loke said foreign vehicles must have a valid VEP to enter Malaysia. “If a private individual’s vehicle does not have a valid VEP, a summons will be issued. “The fine must be settled, and VEP registration completed, before the vehicle is allowed to exit Malaysia. “Even if a vehicle is pre-registered

denial of entry into Malaysia. The move, which was soft-launched through advocacy campaigns in October last year, has been implemented in phases to allow vehicle owners ample time to comply, Loke said. He explained that the VEP uses the radio frequency identification technology to monitor foreign vehicles and ensure adherence to Malaysian road regulations. “It also enables authorities to track and enforce outstanding fines for traffic offences committed within the country,” he added.

Loke said at a press conference yesterday that foreign registered vehicles must have a valid vehicle entry permit to enter Malaysia. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

‘Have platform screen doors for passenger safety’ PUTRAJAYA: Transport Minister Anthony Loke has directed Ampang/Sri Petaling line on Tuesday. detects an obstruction or object on the tracks.

the police.” When asked if the victim’s family had been notified, he said Prasarana would coordinate with Wisma Putra on the matter. Loke also clarified that all LRT stations are already equipped with CCTV surveillance systems. “We also have a system where if any object falls onto the track, the entire system will be deactivated. “Unfortunately, in this case, the individual fell onto the tracks just as the train was arriving. It was a tragic accident.” He added that under normal circumstances, the train system is designed to automatically stop if it

Loke said to implement the directive across all stations will involve a significant cost. “We will need additional budget. Prasarana is currently drawing up plans and proposals. Safety, however, remains our main priority,” he told a press conference yesterday. Loke said he has also received a report on the incident, and police are investigating. “We understand that it was indeed an accident, but we will leave it to the police to conduct a thorough investigation. CCTV footage will also be handed over to

Prasarana Malaysia Berhad to instal passenger platform doors or screen doors, at all LRT stations to improve passenger safety. He said the move is part of broader efforts to strengthen safety across the LRT network, especially at stations with older designs that currently lack the safety feature. The directive comes in the wake of a tragic incident in which a Taiwanese passenger was believed to have fallen onto the tracks and was struck by a train at the Pusat Bandar Puchong station on the