New standard for car window tints

Screen test: Liow showing the specifications of the tint he scanned with his smart phone during the launch of the tint standardisation mechanism in Putrajaya.

PUTRAJAYA: There will be no more unregulated tint films when all window tinting on newly-registered vehicles will be required to adhere to the new MS2669 standard set by the Department of Standards Malaysia from Jan 1.

The new films will come with QR Code Security labels and enforcement officers need only scan the code using the compatible phone app to get its full specifications.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, who launched the Malaysian Vehicle Tint Film Standardisation Mechanism yesterday, said that having a standardised guideline would not only ease the work of enforcement officers, but also prevent consumers from buying unregulated films.

“Before, there was no standard for car tint film makers and each had their own interpretation of what tint was acceptable under the law.

“The MS2669 standard was spearheaded by the AAA (Auto Audio Accessories and Air-Condition Traders Association) and supported by the Transport Ministry and Miros (Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research), among others.

“With this mechanism, a lot of disputes over what tint is acceptable can be resolved,” said Liow.

It determines the standard of tint films, and ensures they comply with the MS2669 standard.

The QR code feature, however, will only come with the new MS2669-certified tints which are expected to be available at AAA-registered outlets before January 2018.

The feature will be available to all consumers free of charge.

“For current car users, as long as your car tint’s minimum permissible visible light transmission levels (VLT) comply with the rules, you do not need to change your tinting.

“However, cars registered after Jan 1, 2018, can only use tints that comply with the MS2669 standard,” he said, adding that car users can visit a Puspakom centre or a car tint dealer to check their tint level.

Liow said the permissible VLT levels are 70% for the front windscreen, 50% for front side windows and 30% for rear side windows and rear screen.

Also at the launch yesterday were Road Transport Department (JPJ) director-general Datuk Seri Nadzri Siron, Road Safety Department director-general Datuk Rosli Isa, AAA president Lim Bee Choo and Miros director-general Prof Dr Wong Shaw Voon.