07-05-2025
DAP: JPJ Sarawak's swift resolution over ePlate compliance commendable
Handout photo shows the ePlate which was the subject of the compliance query
KUCHING (May 7): The Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) has commended the state's Road Transport Department (JPJ) for swiftly addressing public confusion over its ePlate system.
This comes after an incident where a member of the public received a notice from JPJ claiming their electric vehicle (EV) number plate did not comply with specifications, despite it having been issued by an authorised dealer under the department's ePlate system.
Michael Kong, the special assistant to Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng jen, said he had been contacted by the affected individual, and immediately brought the matter to the attention of JPJ Sarawak director Norizan Jili.
'Upon review, JPJ Sarawak resolved the matter without penalising the EV owner. Their cooperation and responsiveness are commendable,' he said in a statement yesterday.
The ePlate initiative was introduced by the Transport Ministry in September 2024, and aims to standardise vehicle number plates starting with EVs and eventually extending to internal combustion engine vehicles, to improve enforcement and eliminate non-compliant designs.
Photo shows a notice issued to the EV owner regarding the ePlate compliance issue.
Kong said that while DAP supports forward-thinking reforms such as the ePlate system, any new policies should be implemented with the public's interest at heart.
'It is important to remember the ePlate system is still in its pilot phase. As with any new policy, there will be initial teething issues.
'Any potential confusion or unintended consequences must be addressed swiftly and fairly,' he said, adding continuous engagement with stakeholders and the public is essential to ensuring the smooth rollout of the initiative.
He said Sarawak DAP remains committed to working closely with all relevant authorities to ensure that this transition towards a standardised plate system is smooth, efficient, and ultimately beneficial for all Malaysians. Democratic Action Party electric vehicles ePlate Road Transport Department
