Five in hot bid for ‘Patriot 1’ number plate

MALACCA: Five Malaysians are vying for the privilege of owning the number plate ­ Patriot 1, touted as the most expensive vehicle registration number in the country.

The auction price starts at RM1mil and the five have each put down 20% as deposit to back their bids. The auction started on June 1 and the successful owner will be made known by June 30.

The exclusive registration number plate is being offered by Yayasan Patriot Negara Malaysia (YPN) as part of its fund-raising drive to promote moderation with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) agreeing to release the special series registrations to the Kuala Lumpur-based non-governmental organisation.

YPN’s special project director Mass Ayu Mass Akbar said the JPJ had granted the organisation permission to auction the numbers Patriot 1 to Patriot 9999.

An authorisation letter would be issued to the buyer who must bring it to the Wangsa Maju JPJ for registration.

She said the minimum bidding price for the premier category with plates Patriot 1 to Patriot 10 ranged from RM380,000 to RM1mil and so far the response was overwhelming with a number of eminent persons vying for these number plates.

YPN was set up on April 12, 2013, to initiate programmes relating to encouraging racial unity, religious tolerance and patriotism among Malaysians.

The NGO is led by Government retirees and those from the private sector with the aim of encouraging a harmonious nation.

She said interested bidders should register online at plat.patriot.org.my and deposit 20% of their bidding price.

Those unsuccessful in their bidding will have their deposits fully refunded.