Latest news with #RTD
New Straits Times
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
VEP centres see surge in Singapore motorists ahead of July 1 deadline
JOHOR BARU: Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) vendors here are experiencing a surge in demand as Singaporean motorists rush to secure their RFID tags ahead of full enforcement on July 1. A check at a VEP service point in Danga Bay revealed that queues began forming yesterday evening, following Transport Minister Anthony Loke's announcement that Singapore-registered motorists face a RM300 fine from July 1 if they fail to register and activate their VEP before entering Malaysia. Singaporean motorist Samsullah Peer Mohamed said he was shocked to learn about the enforcement. "Since I happened to be in Johor Baru, I rushed here to check the status of my RFID VEP activation," he said, adding that unresolved application issues were causing added stress. Another Singaporean vehicle owner said he had emailed the Road Transport Department (RTD) multiple times regarding his RFID tag application but had yet to receive a reply. He decided to visit the centre directly to seek clarification. There are currently three active VEP centres for Singapore-registered vehicles, the main registration and inquiry hub at TCSens Centre in Danga Bay, as well as outlets at Paradigm Mall and Iskandar Puteri Mall near the Second Link. At these centres, foreign vehicle owners can install, collect, and activate their RFID tags. Previously, two RTD-run VEP centres in Taman Daya and at the RTD Academy in Larkin were closed in October last year due to poor response from Singaporean motorists. Following the latest enforcement announcement, VEP centres are expected to experience heavier traffic in the coming weeks, with Singapore's school holidays coinciding with the final stretch before the July 1 deadline. Under the new ruling, private vehicles from Singapore entering Malaysia without a valid VEP tag will be issued a RM300 compound, payable before exiting the country. The Transport Ministry had previously allowed a nine-month grace period starting from Oct 1 last year. Meanwhile, Johor RTD director Azmil Zainal Adnan said that no Singaporean vehicles would be turned away at the border to avoid congestion. However, offenders will be flagged and required to settle their fines before leaving the country.
New Straits Times
15 hours ago
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
No turnbacks for Singapore cars without VEP, but fines before exit
JOHOR BARU: Singapore-registered vehicles without a valid Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) will not be turned back at Johor's land checkpoints in an effort to prevent unnecessary congestion, the state Road Transport Department (RTD) said. Its director, Azmil Zainal Adnan, said enforcement officers will allow Singapore-registered motorists to pass through both land checkpoints at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) and Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar (KSAB), even without the mandatory VEP tag. "Motorists will not be stopped or turned around at either Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex, as doing so would severely disrupt traffic flow," he told the New Straits Times when contacted today. "However, vehicles without a VEP tag will be flagged in the system, and the motorists will be fined RM300. They must settle the compound before leaving the country." To avoid additional congestion, he said the RTD will set up payment counters away from the BSI and KSAB exits, allowing Singaporeans to settle their fines before returning to the republic. Azmil said the decision aims to strike a balance between enforcement and practicality, especially as thousands of vehicles cross the border daily. "We want to avoid bottlenecks at both checkpoints. At the same time, the law will still be enforced, just at a more practical point in the process," he said. He urged all Singaporean vehicle owners to expedite their VEP applications and to avoid using unverified third-party agents, some of whom have been charging exorbitant service fees. The VEP requirement, mandated under Malaysian law, is part of efforts to better regulate and monitor foreign vehicles entering the country. Singapore-registered motorists risk being fined RM300 from July 1 if they fail to register and activate their VEP before entering Malaysia, the Transport Ministry warned yesterday. Its Minister, Anthony Loke Siew Fook, said full enforcement of the VEP requirement would commence after a phased rollout that began in October last year, targeting all foreign vehicles, especially those from Singapore. Offenders must settle the fine before being allowed to exit Malaysia. VEP requirement starting 1 July ," he said, adding that summonses will be issued to foreign vehicle owners who have not registered or activated their VEP.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
RTD to hold 3 public feedback sessions for proposed August service changes
DENVER (KDVR) — The Regional Transportation District is holding three public feedback sessions in June for its proposed August 2025 service changes. The public feedback sessions will be via virtual public meetings on June 16 and June 17, while an online dashboard will also be available through June 19, the RTD said Wednesday. Man sues RTD, Denver Transit Partners claiming negligence after being hit by light-rail train 'Customer and stakeholder feedback is important to ensure RTD provides an efficient and responsive system that serves community needs,' the agency said in a new release. Two of the virtual meetings will be held on Monday, June 16, while an additional 'Ask a Service Planner' virtual meeting will be on Tuesday, June 17. All of the meetings will be conducted via Zoom. The RTD says the proposed August service changes are developed to 'improve reliability and on-time performance of bus and rail services in response to community needs, traffic patterns, ridership trends, operational resources and to address seasonal adjustments.' The RTD proposed dozens of service changes, including: A service increase and route adjustment for Route 34 – Bruce Randolph A service increase for Route FF4 – Boulder Junction/Civic Center A service increase and change in schedule timing for Route LX2 – Longmont/Denver Express via CO 52 Denverites can see the complete breakdown of all the proposed August service changes online. Residents who would like to attend the virtual public feedback sessions can do so by following the instructions: Proposed August service changes public meeting on Monday, June 16 at 12 p.m. Zoom meeting link Meeting ID: 897 0825 9884 Passcode: 018293 Proposed August service changes public meeting on Monday, June 16, at 5:30 p.m. Zoom meeting link Meeting ID: 884 4229 3569 Passcode: 720109 Ask a Service Planner meeting on Tuesday, June 17, at 5:30 p.m. Zoom meeting link Meeting ID: 815 1477 9907 Passcode: 004016 If approved by the RTD Board of Directors, the proposed changes would go into effect Aug. 31. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Else Nutrition Holdings Inc (BABYF) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Navigating Challenges and ...
Revenue: $8 million for fiscal year 2024, a decrease of approximately 15% from $9.54 million in 2023. Gross Loss: $1.2 million for fiscal year 2024, compared to $0.1 million in 2023. Inventory Write-Down: $2.2 million recognized in cost of sales during 2024. Adjusted Gross Profit: $1.1 million, representing a 13% gross margin, excluding inventory write-down. Operating Expenses: $13.6 million for fiscal year 2024, a decrease of approximately 20% from $16.9 million in 2023. Retail Distribution: Products available in over 600 Lola stores and nationwide launch in 1,000 Walmart retail stores. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 2 Warning Sign with BABYF. Release Date: June 03, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Else Nutrition Holdings Inc (BABYF) has taken decisive steps to optimize operations and reduce costs, including targeted reductions in headcount and overhead cost reductions. The company is preparing to start manufacturing its powder formula in Europe, which is expected to lower production costs, improve margins, and enhance product quality. Else Nutrition Holdings Inc (BABYF) has expanded its retail distribution, with products now available in over 600 Lola stores and a nationwide launch of kids RTD products in 1,000 Walmart retail stores. The company is actively engaging with the FDA to establish a clear regulatory pathway for its plant-based infant formula, aligning with the FDA's Operation Stork Speed initiative. Else Nutrition Holdings Inc (BABYF) has introduced its first adult ready-to-drink product in Canada, marking its entry into the growing adult nutrition market. Else Nutrition Holdings Inc (BABYF) faced significant challenges in 2024, including limited marketing resources and funding constraints, which impacted revenue growth. The company's revenue for the 2024 fiscal year decreased by approximately 15% compared to the previous year. Else Nutrition Holdings Inc (BABYF) experienced inventory shortages due to insufficient funding for production and packaging. The company's gross loss for the 2024 fiscal year was $1.2 million, with a write-down of inventories amounting to $2.2 million. Funding constraints have led to a decline in shareholder confidence and share price, impacting the company's ability to accelerate growth. Q: When the distribution has significantly decreased, is this because of a more targeted approach to consumer demographics or simply a lack of demand? A: Hamutal Yitzhak, CEO: Some retailers removed our products, but we added important retailers like AGB and Mayer. The demand varies by demographics and product performance. We are optimistic about retail sales growth in 2025, especially with our products now in 1,000 Walmart stores. Funding limitations have led us to focus on high-return marketing channels. Q: Revenue has declined, and the cash burn rate requires ongoing dilution of share value. Why expand instead of focusing on successful core products? A: Hamutal Yitzhak, CEO: Our cash burn rate has decreased due to cost reductions and efficiencies. Gross profitability has improved, and we expect further improvements in 2025. Inventory issues stem from funding constraints, not production capacity. We are addressing these issues and expect improvements soon. Q: With a large market and a healthy product, why can't you attract enough customers to make a viable business? A: Hamutal Yitzhak, CEO: Limited marketing budget restricts our ability to promote products. We have shifted to more cost-effective marketing strategies and expect improvements in 2025 by focusing on high-return advertising channels. Q: When will Else Nutrition start infant formula trials in the US, and can the new HHS expedite this? A: Hamutal Yitzhak, CEO: We have been lobbying the FDA for a response on clinical pathways. Recent FDA initiatives aim to improve infant formula regulations. We believe our new infant formula will be reconsidered by the FDA, and we expect progress in starting clinical studies. Q: As a long-term shareholder, I've seen my investment decline. What changes can management make to improve shareholder value? A: Hamutal Yitzhak, CEO: We understand shareholder concerns. We have taken actions to stabilize and revitalize the company, including cost restructuring, operational efficiency improvements, and expanding distribution. These steps aim to restore shareholder value and rebuild market trust. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Sign in to access your portfolio
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia to fully enforce VEP system for Singapore vehicles from July 1 with RM300 fines: Loke
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia will fully enforce the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) system for foreign-registered vehicles entering from Singapore via the land border starting Jul 1, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said today. He said non-compliance would result in a compoundable fine of RM300 and could lead to denial of entry. 'From July 1 onwards, enforcement will be strict. We urge all foreign vehicle owners, especially Singaporean drivers, to complete their VEP registration, install the RFID tags, and activate them immediately. 'This will ensure smooth and hassle-free entry and exit at the border,' Loke said during a press conference at the ministry, here.. The initiative, which was soft-launched through advocacy campaigns in October last year, has been implemented in phases to allow vehicle owners ample time to comply, Loke added. He explained that the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) system utilises Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to monitor foreign vehicles and ensure adherence to Malaysian road regulations. 'It also enables authorities to track and enforce outstanding fines for traffic offences committed within the country,' he added. As of June 2, more than 231,000 VEP tags have been issued to private vehicle owners, with nearly 195,000 already installed and activated. For private company vehicles, over 2,600 tags have been activated. Loke also stressed that foreign vehicles must have a valid VEP to enter Malaysia. 'If a private individual's vehicle does not have a valid VEP, a summons will be issued. 'The fine must be settled, and VEP registration completed, before the vehicle is allowed to exit Malaysia.' 'Even if a vehicle is pre-registered but not fully compliant, it will still face summonses and payment requirements,' he said. He said the same rules apply to private company vehicles without valid VEPs. 'In some cases, a reminder notice may be issued to allow temporary exit but vehicle owners must still comply to avoid penalties. 'We want to avoid inconveniences for everyone, so cooperation is essential,' Loke said. He added that summonses must be settled before exiting Malaysia and can be paid via cashless methods at Road Transport Department (RTD) counters, mobile units, or online via MyEG. To avoid congestion, Loke said enforcement checks would not be carried out at the border itself. 'Inspections will be carried out through scheduled operations at selected locations from time to time, not by stationing officers at the border,' he said. 'We know which vehicles haven't registered — the system automatically detects those without valid VEPs.' Beyond enforcement, Loke highlighted the VEP system's role in facilitating smoother traffic flow and enhancing Malaysia-Singapore relations. 'This initiative reflects our commitment to effective border management while respecting the close ties between our countries. 'RTD continues to monitor compliance closely and has already issued summonses to foreign vehicle owners who remain unregistered or whose VEP tags are inactive. 'Vehicle owners are encouraged to register and activate their VEP tags promptly via the official RTD website or at service centres located at the Causeway and Second Link.' He further said that by improving security and compliance, the VEP system is expected to reduce congestion and speed up processing times at border crossings. 'Ultimately, this is about creating a safer, more efficient travel experience for everyone,' Loke said. The VEP system for foreign vehicles entering Malaysia from Singapore via land routes was introduced on October 1 last year. Under this scheme, all foreign vehicles are required to obtain an RFID-based VEP tag issued by the Malaysian Transport Ministry. These tags must be installed, activated, and linked to a valid Touch 'n Go eWallet account before the vehicle can enter Malaysia.
