The Ministry of Transport (MOT) will officially allow Recreational Vehicle (RV) services to be licensed and regulated for commercial use beginning Jan. 1, 2026, marking a major step forward for RV-based tourism in Malaysia.
According to an article by The Malaysian Reserve, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the new policy is intended to support the growth of the RV tourism segment, which has been showing strong development.
Under the plan, RVs will be permitted as Self-Drive Tourist Hire Vehicles in Peninsular Malaysia and as Self-Drive Hire Cars in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan.
“Implementation will be limited to new vehicles, either Completely Knocked Down (CKD) or Completely Built Up (CBU) units, effective Jan 1, 2026,” he said during the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Road Transport Department (RTD) Kajang Office.
Privately owned RVs registered before Dec. 31, 2025, may also be commercialised, provided they are less than 15 years old and pass a technical inspection to be determined by RTD.
Loke added that MOT and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) are exploring a “single window” licensing system to streamline RV permit applications.
“So any new RV intended for rental would only require a single permit from MOTAC to be used for tourism activities, as this falls beyond MOT’s jurisdiction,” he explained.
Loke stressed that the licensing framework is essential for regulating operations, ensuring safety, and protecting renters through strict permit enforcement.
He also commented on recent cases of illegal drivers overcharging tourists, including one foreign visitor who was asked to pay over RM800.
“Their modus operandi is simple. They use cars they don’t own, so if the vehicle is seized or impounded, they are not affected. In fact, the daily profit from just one customer can reach hundreds of ringgit,” he said.
To address this, RTD will intensify enforcement against touts at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), with surveillance and ongoing operations already underway.
“We will also review whether existing legal provisions are sufficient or need to be strengthened to send a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated,” Loke added.
The new policy signals strong government support for RV tourism and is expected to create fresh opportunities for rental operators and travelers alike across Malaysia.