JPJ Issues RFP for New ICE and Hybrid Vehicle Plates

Malaysia's Road Transport Department (JPJ) has initiated a request for proposal (RFP) for new standardised licence plates. The RFP covers plates for petrol, diesel, hybrid, and commercial vehicles, continuing a push to modernise the country's vehicle registration system.

According to an infographic posted by the department, the RFP document will be available from September 10 following a compulsory briefing for interested companies. The closing date for tender submissions is October 30 at 12pm. JPJ states that all companies with sufficient experience and financial ability for developing and operating special number plates are welcome to submit a proposal.

Standardising All Powertrain Types

The new initiative aims to extend standardised plates to all new vehicle powertrain types. Two years ago, during a briefing prior to the launch of the JPJePlate for electric vehicles, the transport ministry said the initiative was meant to pave the way for standardising licence plates for all new vehicles registered in Malaysia.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said this move would eliminate fancy or non-regulation plates and reduce vehicle cloning opportunities. He added that Malaysia is among the 5% of countries still using traditional plates globally and was looking to gradually move away from that system.

Proposed Plate Design and Colours

While no final details are confirmed, the overall design is expected to follow the current JPJePlate format. This uses aluminium construction with embossed lettering and features a coloured bar on the left side as a vehicle identifier. Rumours suggest the following colour scheme for the identifier bars:

Lettering for these passenger vehicles is expected to remain black on a white background. For taxis, rental cars, and limousines, the format is rumoured to be the same but with lettering in red. Commercial vehicles may follow the coloured bar system for powertrains but could have black lettering on a yellow background.

Scope and Implementation

The new plates will not be mandatory for every existing vehicle on the road. Two years ago, Minister Loke indicated that legacy vehicles would be able to continue using their current plate format and would not have to change over. The new RPK plates will only cover registrations of new cars when introduced. Also, as with the EV plates, these new standardised plates will not be introduced for motorcycles.

The department's plan specifically calls for the design of a special plate for users of petrol and diesel vehicles, hybrids, vehicles utilised for trade, and vehicles used by OKU persons. Zero-emission vehicles like hydrogen fuel cell cars are also included, as battery electric vehicles already have their own identifying plate. The move represents the next stage in a broader plan to standardise plates for all new cars in Malaysia.