The transport minister said his ministry had instructed the road transport department (JPJ) and his ministry’s land division to review the standard operating procedures and simplify the process.
Loke emphasised that the government would not “U-turn” on the VEP system’s implementation.
“We have gathered feedback from users and applicants, so we understand the issues. However, we may not be able to respond to every specific complaint or email.
“Rest assured, we will facilitate (complaints), but there will be no U-turn (on the matter).
“I want to make this message clear to the Singaporean media because there is a perception that we are not serious about this. It will be enforced on Oct 1,” he told reporters, confirming also that JPJ had received thousands of emails on the matter.
On June 14, CNA reported that Singaporean drivers were facing difficulties obtaining and renewing their VEPs ahead of the permits’ implementation on Oct 1.
According to the report, the issue is said to be especially faced by buyers of second-hand cars that have not been deregistered by their previous owners.
The report said many users have sent their concerns and inquiries via email to JPJ, but their responses have been delayed by weeks.
One CNA interviewee called on the Malaysian government to either extend the system’s implementation or cancel it.
Loke stressed the importance of VEPs, stating that it was necessary to track misconduct by Singaporean drivers and that they “must settle their summonses before leaving the country”.
He said just as Malaysians going to Singapore must abide by Singaporean rules and regulations, Singaporeans must adhere to Malaysian laws.
Separately, Loke announced that individuals without Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia certificates could now apply to obtain driving school instructor certificates from July 1 until Dec 31.
Loke said this was to ensure an adequate teaching force in driving institutes, given the annual issuance of more than 600,000 licences, which surpassed the capacity of the current 243 institutes nationwide.
“This initiative will reduce waiting times because without a sufficient teaching force, driving institutes will have longer queues for training,” he said.
Loke also said his ministry would review the policy on the use of driving institute cars outside the institutes, adding the cars could soon be used to fetch and drop off students.