Fines for WPHs Using Malaysian Registered Vehicles in Singapore from 1 July 2022

(Photo Credit: NEA)

If you’re a Work Pass Holder (WPH) staying in Singapore, take note! Effective tomorrow, 1 July 2022, WPHs living in Singapore will not be allowed to use or keep Malaysian registered vehicles!

Singapore might be a decent destination to seek work with proximity and currency exchange rates in mind but it does have its fair share of drawbacks. One of them is its notoriety for being a ‘fine’ country and unfortunately, the Land Transport Authority’s decision to withdraw the exemption for WPHs to use their foreign-registered vehicles is a good example.

This was in response to the sharp increase in traffic coming in and out of Singapore, clogging up the checkpoints between the two countries. The exemption was previously granted due to land border closure and the restrictions in place as a result of the pandemic.

First-time offenders will face fines of up to S$1000 (MYR 3166.68) and/or a jail sentence of up to 3 months while repeat offenders face the risk of being slapped with a S$2000 (MYR 6333.37) fine and/or a jail sentence of up to 6 months.

(Photo Credit: BikesRepublic)

This latest change is certainly something that can take a while to get used to as buying a motorcycle in the Lion City can be quite costly. A simple brand-new kapchai can cost you about S$13 000 (MYR 41166.88) to S$15 000 (MYR 47500.24) while second-hand bikes are about half that price, depending on the number of years left on its COE.

It might still be better than constantly getting fined and facing the prospect of spending months in a Singapore prison, however. Thankfully, the transport system on the island nation is fantastic, a cheaper alternative you can consider!

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