Whether you’re in need of a fuss-free trip, a budget-friendly weekend getaway or simply a day trip to run some errands, Malaysia has always been the most accessible holiday escape from Singapore’s hustle and bustle. 

There are numerous ways to enter Malaysia from Singapore, either by plane, bus, or by car. Of which, driving in could be a convenient option if you own a car. And if you do not, many car rental companies in Singapore offer short-term car rental options that allow you to drive into Malaysia, hassle-free. 

Renting a car for your trip to Malaysia could be a better option if you have multiple destinations as there is the ease of convenience and accessibility, especially if you are travelling with a large family. Many car rental companies also take care of the necessary documents needed, such as the Vehicle Entry Permit Certificate, Vehicle Insurance Certificate, Vehicle Log Card as well as the Vehicle Authorisation letter without you having to worry about these stringent requirements.

After a 2-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the land borders connecting Singapore and Malaysia are finally open! Here’s everything you need to know about travelling to Malaysia during this period. 

1. Insurance

If you are travelling out of Singapore, purchasing a travel insurance plan is crucial in ensuring that you are covered for unforeseen incidents such as personal accidents, damage to personal belongings, loss of items, medical emergencies, and more. And if you have chosen to drive your own vehicle into Malaysia, vehicle insurance would be important to take note of.

If you intend on renting a car to drive into Malaysia, the majority of car rental companies providing this service would already have the vehicle insurance taken care of — allowing you to focus on trip planning rather than managing cumbersome insurance research. Be sure to check with your car rental company to confirm the vehicle insurance coverage for the area that you will be visiting.

2. Touch n’ Go card

Source: touchngo

If you have decided to drive into Malaysia, you will need the Touch ‘n Go card as it will be used upon entry at the immigration counter and for expressway tolls. You will also have to ensure that you have sufficient stored value in the card for your trips — the per entry fee into Johor Bahru is RM20. The Touch ‘n Go card will also be used to pay for toll charges along the way if you are embarking on a road trip to further regions of Malaysia. 

If you do not possess a Touch ‘n Go card, you may purchase the EZ-Link x Touch n’ Go Motoring Card, which is a dual-currency cross-border contactless smart card designed for Singapore motorists travelling to Malaysia that can be used to pay motoring and travelling fees in both countries. 

The EZ-Link x Touch ‘n Go Motoring cards can be purchased at $10 at selected 7-Eleven stores in Singapore, on EZ-Link’s official Shopee store, as well as at Caltex, Sinopex and SPC petrol stations. To reload the EZ-Link purse, you can do so at selected 7-Eleven outlets, DBS/POSB and OCBC ATMs, as well as AXS stations that accept EZ-Link card payments. There may be additional top-up fees charged at certain top-up channels. 

To reload the Touch ‘n Go purse of your card, you will have to head to Touch ‘n Go merchants that allow top-ups. These merchants are identified on their website. 

Do note that you cannot top-up the EZ-Link purse in Malaysia and/or the Touch ‘n Go purse in Singapore. 

3. MySafeTravel & MySejahtera

Fully vaccinated travellers and children aged 12 and below will not have to undergo quarantine or testing for COVID-19 when entering Malaysia. However, it is mandatory to upload your vaccination certificate through the MySafeTravel portal and download the MySejahtera application onto your mobile phone to complete a Pre-Departure Form. 

4. Vehicle Entry Permit

The Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) is a permit that allows Singapore-registered vehicles to enter Malaysia. All Singapore-registered vehicles entering via the land borders must obtain this permit. Without the permit, you will not be allowed to drive your vehicle into Malaysia. 

You can find out more about applying for a VEP here. 

Alternatively, you may consider a short-term car rental with a car rental company in Singapore that typically includes a VEP for their rental vehicles for entry into Malaysia. 

5. ¾ tank full

Under the Customs Act 1960, Singapore-registered vehicles must have a minimum amount of motor fuel of at least three-quarters of the tank when leaving Singapore via the land checkpoints. This rule applies to all vehicles running on petrol and/or compressed natural gas. Drivers who do not comply with the rule may be issued a fine, be prosecuted in court, or be turned away at the checkpoint.

Trip planning amidst the ongoing pandemic can be complex and challenging with the number of restrictions to adhere to and travel requirements to meet. But with this checklist, your pre-trip preparation to Malaysia will be nothing but a breeze. 

Be sure to consider weekend car rentals or short-term car rental options at myCarriage, the leading car rental company in Singapore that provides real-time availability of quality cars at your fingertips. Book a rental car today!