MOT To Approve Commercial RV Licences Effective Jan 2026

KAJANG, Sept 23 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Transport (MOT) has agreed to allow Recreational Vehicle (RV) services to be licensed and regulated for commercial use, effective Jan 1, 2026.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the move is to support the growth of the RV-based tourism segment, which has shown positive development. 

He said the new policy will also permit RVs to be used as Self-Drive Tourist Hire Vehicles in Peninsular Malaysia, and as Self-Drive Hire Cars in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan.

“Implementation will be limited to new vehicles, either Completely Knocked Down (CKD) or Completely Built Up (CBU) units, effective Jan 1, 2026,” he said after the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Road Transport Department (RTD) Kajang Office here today.

He clarified that privately owned RVs registered before Dec 31, 2025, may be commercialised, provided they are not more than 15 years old and pass a technical inspection to be specified by RTD. 

Loke added that MOT and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) will also explore implementing a 'single window' system for RV licence applications to streamline the process. 

"So any new RV intended for rental would only require a single permit from MOTAC to be used for tourism activities, as this falls beyond MOT's jurisdiction," he said.

He emphasised that this licensing measure is crucial for regulating operations, ensuring safety, and protecting renters' interests through the enforcement of stipulated permits.

Commenting on the case of an illegal driver overcharging a foreign tourist over RM800, Loke said these individuals typically rent cars to run unauthorised transport services.

"Their modus operandi is simple. They use cars they don't own, so if the vehicle is seized or impounded, they are not affected. In fact, the daily profit from just one customer can reach hundreds of ringgit," he said.

Loke added that RTD will step up enforcement against these touts at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), with ongoing surveillance and operations to eradicate such activities.

"We will also review whether existing legal provisions are sufficient or need to be strengthened to send a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated," he stressed. 

Meanwhile, Loke said the RM22.7 million project to construct the new RTD Kajang branch office began on April 10 and is scheduled for completion in April 2027.

He said the two-storey, 2,678-square-metre building features a modern design focused on accessibility and customer convenience.

Facilities will include more comfortable service counters, meeting rooms, a prayer room, ample parking, and disability-friendly amenities, with a capacity to serve up to 150 visitors at a time.

“Its strategic location, near industrial and residential areas as well as the KLIA, is expected to directly benefit the community by enhancing logistical networks, boosting business and creating new job opportunities,” he said.

-- BERNAMA