Crossing the Border During Festive Seasons with VEP: Smart Tips for the Holiday Rush

Driving to Malaysia to celebrate Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, or Deepavali with family is a cherished tradition. However, it also means facing the infamous festive traffic jams, where a short drive can turn into a multi-hour crawl.

During peak festive periods, border officials have zero tolerance for errors. A problem with your VEP—like outdated insurance details or an inactive tag—is a guaranteed way to get pulled aside or turned back, causing a nightmare delay.

You can't beat the jam on the eve of a public holiday. You have to outsmart it.

• Travel Days in Advance: If your schedule allows, travel two or three days before the public holiday officially starts.
• The "Red-Eye" Crossing: The hours between 1 AM and 4 AM are often the clearest. It’s a sacrifice, but it can save you hours of waiting in a jam.
• Avoid the Eve at All Costs: The evening before a major festival is consistently the worst time to travel. The same applies to the last day of the holiday for the return journey.

Even with the best planning, delays are possible. Prepare your car and passengers accordingly.

• Have a full tank of petrol and ensure your car's air-conditioning is in top condition.
• Pack extra water, non-messy snacks, and activities for children.
• Download music or podcasts to help pass the time.

Frequently Asked Questions