KUALA LUMPUR: More than 1,450 recreational vehicles (RVs) have been registered in the country for private use to date, according to the Ministry of Transport (MOT).
It said RVs, including motorhomes, caravans and campervans, are legally recognised vehicles that can be registered and licensed by the Road Transport Department Malaysia.
“The government supports the RV industry as a niche segment that has significant potential to contribute to the automotive economic value chain and the domestic tourism sector.
“The industry is expanding with the involvement of local operators in RV manufacturing, as well as the entry of foreign investors who are developing RV manufacturing plants in Malaysia,” the ministry said in a written reply published on the Parliament’s website on Tuesday (July 14).
RVs are motor vehicles, including semi-trailers and trailers, specifically designed to serve two main functions, namely transportation and temporary accommodation.
These vehicles are equipped with various basic accommodation facilities such as sleeping areas, mini kitchens, dining spaces and bathrooms to provide comfort for users.
On hire purchase financing facilities, MOT said vehicle financing in Malaysia remains subject to commercial assessments by banking institutions under the Hire-Purchase Act 1967 (which has since been amended through the Hire-Purchase (Amendment) Act 2025).
“Banking institutions and finance companies have the autonomy to determine risk assessments and loan approvals based on the market value of the vehicles,” it said.
The ministry said this in response to a question from Kalam Salan (PN-Sabak Bernam) on whether the government recognises RVs as legal road vehicles, as well as why hire purchase financing facilities had not been extended to RVs to boost the domestic tourism industry. – BERNAMA
