If you’re getting an electric vehicle (EV) soon, you’ll want to take note of this change. The Ministry of Transport (MOT) and Road Transport Department (JPJ) have officially introduced the pilot phase for a new standardised number plate system called JPJePlate – and it’ll soon be mandatory for all EVs (excluding motorcycles) in Malaysia.
Unlike the current number plate series featuring a standard simple white lettering on a black background, the JPJePlate is a specific licence plate design with several new features. According to reports, the JPJePlate will only be mandatory for new battery-powered and hydrogen fuel cell EVs delivered from 9th September 2024 onwards. The MOT said the purpose of having this new number plate on EVs is that it serves as the primary identification for enforcement action and accidents to ensure the appropriate response.
The new number plate will follow the current vehicle registration system, like B for Selangor and V for the Federal Territory of KL. Only new EVs currently require the JPJePlate, but there are plans for all new vehicles to switch to the same number plate system. However, there are no exact dates yet, and older cars aren’t necessarily required to have it. There are also no plans for motorcyclists to have the same number plate. If you’re wondering what makes JPJePlate different from its predecessor, here are the highlight features of the new number plate:
- Jalur Gemilang and an abbreviation for Malaysia (MAL) to identify that the vehicle from Malaysia
- Colour code on the left side to indicate the vehicle’s fuel type (Light green for EV)
- Holographic stripes and embossed black lettering on a white background for increased visibility
- Embedded RFID chip for seamless identification and possible payment at tolls
- QR codes for digital signature and to prevent forgery
- One-way security screws to prevent theft
The new JPJePlate does come with a price, though bundled into the cost of the car if it’s a new registration. The package is RM98 and comes with the front and rear aluminium plate and a third licence plate in the form of a security sticker attached to the windshield. Handal Ceria is the current sole vendor appointed to issue the plate, but there will be more suppliers once the system implementation has expanded. In addition, the new licence plate can only be installed by the vehicle retailer or an authorised business partner.
For more information on the JPJePlate, car owners can visit the official website or contact their EV retailers. What are your thoughts on this new number plate system?
Check out this video to learn more about the JPJePlate:
Sources: JPJePlate, Paul Tan, SoyaCincau
