KUCHING: All electric vehicle (EV) dealers and owners in the state are advised to ensure that their number plates comply with the specifications under the ePlate initiative of the Road Transport Department (RTD), even though the policy is currently not mandatory.
Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, said this reminder follows a recent case where an EV owner received a notice from RTD regarding non-compliance with ePlate specifications, which later drew public concern.
According to a clarification from the RTD, the notice was issued as part of advisory enforcement.
The owner subsequently filed a complaint.
Upon investigation, JPJ confirmed that the number plate in question did comply with the approved specifications, and the case was closed.
“While the ePlate policy is a federal initiative and currently applies only to cars, it remains in the voluntary phase. Enforcement during this period is advisory in nature, and no compound is imposed.
“We appreciate JPJ’s responsiveness in reviewing the case and providing clarification.
“This incident highlights the importance of public awareness and understanding of new initiatives,” he said in a recent statement.
Lee added that his ministry, though not the implementing agency, plays a supporting and communicative role in helping ensure that the public and vehicle industry stakeholders receive timely and accurate information.
“Although not yet compulsory, all EV owners are strongly encouraged to adopt the JPJePlate to align with national efforts toward better enforcement, standardisation, and play an important role in supporting road safety and emergency response operations,” he added.
He said that with EVs, fire and rescue operations, such as by Bomba, require different handling protocols due to the presence of high-voltage battery systems.
“When emergency services can quickly recognise that a vehicle is electric, they are able to respond more effectively and safely using the appropriate rescue techniques,” he stated.
He stated that green mobility is not only a global trend but a key pillar of the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) to become a developed and sustainable region.
He called on the public and private sectors to work hand in hand and embrace cleaner, more sustainable transport options that will benefit current and future generations.
