Singaporeans have been avoiding entering Malaysia via land crossings due to the new Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) rule, causing a slump in footfall at businesses near Johor Bahru city centre. Shopkeepers are hoping authorities will do more to inform Singaporeans about the relaxed implementation of the VEP.
Quieter crowds seen at the popular Pasar Karat night market near Johor Bahru city centre on Oct 4. JOHOR BAHRU - Mr Chan Wah Heng decided to step away from his usual spot at the cash register and could be heard calling out to potential patrons to stop for brunch at his bak kut teh and seafood joint on Oct 5.
The good news is that Malaysia has delayed the strict implementation of the VEP regulation as the authorities rush to ensure that more owners of Singapore-registered vehicles get their permits, issuing errant drivers with only a written warning to do so. Ms Mei Wong, 30, a retail manager selling travel luggage in KSL City mall, said she was also feeling the pinch. She had sold only one set of wheeled suitcases by noon on Oct 5, compared with selling about 30 pieces of luggage daily in the previous week.
Interviews with business owners and visitors at several shopping districts popular with Singaporeans found that some of the crowd appeared to have returned, but shopkeepers say the vibe on Oct 4 was significantly quieter than in previous pre-weekend evenings. On Oct 5 evening, live camera feed of the Causeway and Second Link in Tuas from the Land Transport Authority's One Motoring website showed a long line of vehicles queueing up to enter JB.Checks using the Beat The Jam app showed the average waiting time at the Causeway was around 50 minutes throughout the morning from 7am. The average waiting time was still 50 minutes at around 6pm.
Asked about his view on whether the VEP would deter Singaporeans from entering JB, businessman Lee Wan Choy, 66, said: "Things will eventually square out to be the same as before. And this thing will stabilise sooner or later."
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