(Kuching, 9th) Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Seri Lee Khim Shin has urged all electric vehicle (EV) dealers and owners in Sarawak to ensure that their license plates comply with the relevant regulations of the Malaysian Road Transport Department (JPJ) ePlate program, even though the policy has not yet been mandated.
He pointed out that recently, an electric vehicle owner received a notice from the Road Transport Department stating "non-compliance with ePlate regulations," which prompted public concern. After investigation, the Sarawak Road Transport Department found that the involved license plate actually met the approved specifications, and the case was thus closed.
Lee Khim Shin stated that the ePlate program launched by the federal government currently only applies to electric vehicles and is still in the voluntary compliance stage. Any enforcement action is advisory in nature and will not result in fines for vehicle owners.
“We appreciate the Road Transport Department for actively reviewing this case and clarifying in a timely manner. This incident highlights that public understanding and awareness of the new policy still need to be strengthened.”
He added that although the Sarawak Ministry of Transport is not an enforcement agency, it will continue to play a bridging role to help convey accurate information to the public and stakeholders in the industry.
Lee Khim Shin emphasized that in order to align with national efforts in road safety and emergency response standardization, it is strongly recommended that all electric vehicle owners switch to JPJ ePlate license plates as soon as possible.
He noted that since electric vehicles are equipped with high-voltage battery systems, in the event of a fire or accident, firefighters and rescue personnel must adopt different handling methods; quickly identifying the nature of the vehicle helps enhance response efficiency and safety.
He also stated that green travel is not only a global trend but also a critical pillar of Sarawak's post-pandemic development strategy, enabling the region to move toward advanced and sustainable development.
He called on the public and private sectors to work together to create a cleaner, more sustainable transportation system for the benefit of current and future generations.
He pointed out that recently, an electric vehicle owner received a notice from the Road Transport Department stating "non-compliance with ePlate regulations," which prompted public concern. After investigation, the Sarawak Road Transport Department found that the involved license plate actually met the approved specifications, and the case was thus closed.
Lee Khim Shin stated that the ePlate program launched by the federal government currently only applies to electric vehicles and is still in the voluntary compliance stage. Any enforcement action is advisory in nature and will not result in fines for vehicle owners.
“We appreciate the Road Transport Department for actively reviewing this case and clarifying in a timely manner. This incident highlights that public understanding and awareness of the new policy still need to be strengthened.”
He added that although the Sarawak Ministry of Transport is not an enforcement agency, it will continue to play a bridging role to help convey accurate information to the public and stakeholders in the industry.
Lee Khim Shin emphasized that in order to align with national efforts in road safety and emergency response standardization, it is strongly recommended that all electric vehicle owners switch to JPJ ePlate license plates as soon as possible.
He noted that since electric vehicles are equipped with high-voltage battery systems, in the event of a fire or accident, firefighters and rescue personnel must adopt different handling methods; quickly identifying the nature of the vehicle helps enhance response efficiency and safety.
He also stated that green travel is not only a global trend but also a critical pillar of Sarawak's post-pandemic development strategy, enabling the region to move toward advanced and sustainable development.
He called on the public and private sectors to work together to create a cleaner, more sustainable transportation system for the benefit of current and future generations.