The approval of special number plates being denied is still in force, said Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah. These special number plates include those issued by government agencies, NGOs, and private companies. This was stated in response to a question by Rushdan Rusmi (PN–Padang Besar), who had sought clarification on the guidelines and criteria used by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) in approving special plate series.
Hasbi added that the decision, which was made through a Cabinet directive in 2022, is still being regulated. “This includes business purposes intended to generate profit for any party involved,” he said during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today on 4 August 2025.
On a separate note, he stated that the sale of the special number plates has gathered a total revenue of RM110,069,150 since the initiative was introduced in 2023. This revenue is collected via the JPJeBid platform and is channelled into the Federal Consolidated Fund under the Federal Government. This is used for people-centric programmes through initiatives such as the free driving licence scheme, free helmet exchange programme, FlySiswa, free contributions under the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme, and enhanced road safety promotion programmes.
Speaking about the JPJeBid platform, Hasbi acknowledged that the Transport Ministry has identified technical glitches in the bidding system and has resolved them. Nevertheless, there appear to be some minor complications still present in the system.
“To be fair… there were many problems during the early stages, such as login difficulties and bidders being cut off at the last minute,” he said. “But those problems have mostly been resolved. While some issues remain, they are no longer as widespread as they once were,” he said.
Hasbi also touched on the VIP registration number plates. According to him, such plate series are only considered during special occasions such as national events. “Following a Cabinet meeting on 26 March, the Cabinet agreed for the Transport Ministry to issue the VIP series of special registration numbers in conjunction with the Silver Jubilee celebration of the Raja of Perlis,” he added.
