Anthony Loke: Opening Commercial Licenses for Recreational Vehicles to Boost Tourism Industry

(Kuala Lumpur, 23rd) Transport Minister Anthony Loke today announced that the government has agreed to open up commercial licenses for Recreational Vehicles (RV), and to standardize their regulation, allowing RVs to operate as 'self-drive rental vehicles' (KSPP) in Peninsular Malaysia, as well as 'self-drive rental cars' (KSP) in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan.
RVs are motor vehicles that integrate both transportation and temporary accommodation functions, including semi-trailers and trailers, equipped with beds, small kitchens, dining areas, bathrooms, and other facilities, providing users with convenience and comfort. Currently, Malaysia has 1,405 privately registered RVs, most of which are small or medium-sized caravans or camper vans.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Anthony Loke pointed out that with the surge of self-drive rental advertisements on social media, local demand for RVs is increasingly growing. However, current policies only allow RVs to be registered for private use, limiting their potential in the tourism industry.
To promote the development of the self-driving tourism industry, the government has decided that from January 1, 2026, newly registered RVs (whether CKD assembled or CBU imported) will be allowed into the market as commercial rental vehicles. Meanwhile, for RVs already registered as private before December 31, 2025, if they wish to be converted to commercial use, they must meet a maximum age limit of 15 years and pass the technical inspection of the Road Transport Department (JPJ).
In addition, the Ministry of Transport will cooperate with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture to explore streamlining the commercial RV license application process through a 'single window'.
The minister emphasized that the implementation of a registration and licensing system for commercial RVs will help regulate the market, ensure user safety, and protect tenant rights.
Malaysia Recreational Vehicle (RV) Classification

Note:
a) Any recreational vehicle (RV) must have at least the following equipment permanently installed in its living area:-
· Seats and table (can be designed to be easily removable);
· Sleeping facilities (may be converted from seats);
· Cooking facilities;
· Storage facilities.
b) For detailed information on classes M, N and O, please refer to document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/78: 'Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles' (R.E.3), which is part of the framework of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP29).