Latest news with #ePlate
Borneo Post
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
Adopt voluntary ePlate system for safety, standardisation, S'wak Transport Minister tells EV owners, dealers
Handout photo shows the ePlate which was the subject of the compliance query. KUCHING (May 9): Electric vehicle (EV) owners and dealers in Sarawak are encouraged to adopt the Road Transport Department's (JPJ) electronic number plate (ePlate) specifications, even though the initiative remains voluntary for now, said State Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin. His remarks follow recent public concern over a notice issued by JPJ to an EV owner for allegedly not complying with ePlate standards. JPJ Sarawak has since clarified that the notice was issued as part of advisory enforcement and did not involve any penalties. A subsequent review found that the number plate in question met the required specifications, and the matter has been resolved. Lee stressed that while the ePlate programme is a federal initiative currently limited to passenger vehicles, the Sarawak Transport Ministry supports its implementation by helping raise awareness among the public and industry players, according to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report today. '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. Lee noted that while ePlates are not yet mandatory, they offer significant benefits in terms of enforcement, standardisation, and most importantly, emergency response. He explained that EVs present unique challenges during rescue operations due to their high-voltage systems. Proper identification through ePlates can enable first responders to act more swiftly and safely in such situations. 'Although not yet compulsory, all EV owners are strongly encouraged to adopt the JPJ ePlate to align with national efforts toward better enforcement, standardisation, and play an important role in supporting road safety and emergency response operations,' said Lee. He emphasised that green mobility is not just a global movement but a vital component of Sarawak's Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy, which aims to build a developed and sustainable region. Lee also called on both the public and private sectors to collaborate in embracing cleaner and more sustainable transportation solutions for the benefit of present and future generations. electric vehicle ePlate EV JPJ lead Lee Kim Shin
Malay Mail
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Malay Mail
Sarawak transport minister: EV plates must meet JPJ specs, even if not mandatory
KUCHING, May 9 — All electric vehicle (EV) dealers and owners in Sarawak are encouraged to ensure their number plates comply with the specifications under the Road Transport Department's (JPJ) ePlate initiative, even though it is currently not mandatory. Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said that while his ministry is not the implementing agency, it plays a supporting and communicative role to help ensure that the public and industry stakeholders receive timely and accurate information. 'Although the ePlate is not yet compulsory, EV owners are strongly encouraged to adopt it in line with national efforts to improve enforcement, standardisation, and to support road safety and emergency response operations,' he said in a statement today. He explained that fire and rescue operations involving electric vehicles require different handling protocols due to the high-voltage battery systems. 'When emergency responders can quickly identify that a vehicle is electric, they can act more effectively and safely using the correct rescue techniques,' he added. Lee said the ePlate initiative, which currently applies only to cars, is a federal policy and remains in its voluntary phase. During this period, enforcement is advisory in nature and no compounds are issued. His reminder comes after a recent case where an EV owner in Sarawak received a notice from JPJ regarding non-compliance with ePlate specifications, raising public concern. Lee said Sarawak JPJ later clarified that the notice was issued as part of advisory enforcement and no further action was taken as the plate met the required specifications. 'We appreciate JPJ's quick response in reviewing the case and issuing clarification. This incident highlights the importance of public awareness and understanding of new initiatives,' he said. He also emphasised that green mobility is not only a global trend but a key pillar in Sarawak's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which aims to position the state as a developed and sustainable region. — Bernama
The Star
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
EV plates must meet JPJ specs, even if not mandatory, says Sarawak Transport Minister
KUCHING: All electric vehicle (EV) dealers and owners in Sarawak should ensure their number plates comply with the Road Transport Department's (JPJ) ePlate's specifications, even though it is currently not mandatory. Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said that while his ministry is not the implementing agency, its role is to help ensure that the public and industry stakeholders receive timely and accurate information. "Although the ePlate is not yet compulsory, EV owners are strongly encouraged to adopt it in line with national efforts to improve enforcement, standardisation, and to support road safety and emergency response operations," he said in a statement on Friday (May 9). He explained that fire and rescue operations involving electric vehicles require different handling protocols due to the high-voltage battery systems. "When emergency responders can quickly identify that a vehicle is electric, they can act more effectively and safely using the correct rescue techniques," he added. Lee said the ePlate initiative, which currently applies only to cars, is a federal policy and remains in its voluntary phase. During this period, enforcement is advisory in nature, and no compounds are issued. His reminder comes after a recent case where an EV owner in Sarawak received a notice from JPJ regarding non-compliance with ePlate specifications, raising public concern. Lee said Sarawak JPJ later clarified that the notice issued was merely advisory with no further action to be taken as the plate met the required specifications. "We appreciate JPJ's quick response in reviewing the case and issuing clarification. This incident highlights the importance of public awareness and understanding of new initiatives," he said. He also emphasised that green mobility is not only a global trend but a key pillar in Sarawak's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which aims to position the state as a developed and sustainable region. - Bernama
Borneo Post
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
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
