Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong through the Road Transport Department has finally put into effect the road tax exemption for electric vehicles that was first mentioned back in October 2021. This road tax exemption applies to all battery electric vehicles and hydrogen electric vehicles, though there are currently none of the latter for sale in Malaysia.
EVs will be exempted from road tax from the 1st of January 2022 until the 31st of December 2025. Those who have already paid for their EV’s road tax after the 1st of January 2022, be it for a Porsche Taycan or a Kona EV, can surrender the road tax sticker and claim a rebate from JPJ. The vehicle owner or a representative can then apply for the motor vehicle license exemption. Applications are opened today, the 15th of February 2022.
Datuk Seri Dr Wee also added that this road tax exemption is for full electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles only. It does not apply to hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles or ICE-powered vehicles.
Now it’s up to the government to make good on their promise to also provide further incentives in the form of income tax relief for charger installation, import and duties exemption, and more.
Besides EVs getting road tax exemption, Budget 2022 also promised that motor vehicles modified for Persons with Disabilities would be exempt from having to pay their annual road tax. This too is now a reality, but with caveats.
The exemption is given for specially modified vehicles for the use of the person with disability. If the vehicle is not modified for use, then the exemption only applies for completely knocked down (CKD) vehicles and national cars registered and licensed under the particular Person with Disabilities that is applying for the exemption. It also extends to parents, guardians or spouses of the Person with Disabilities as long as this person is also registered with JKM.
“The eligible motor vehicles must be registered and licensed under the particular Person with Disabilities and the Person with Disabilities must be registered with and in possession of a valid PwD/OKU card issued by JKM.“
