Exemption on motor vehicle licence fee given to PwD, electric vehicles, says Dr Wee

PUTRAJAYA: An exemption on full motor vehicle licence fee will be given to vehicles for persons with disabilities (PwD) and electric vehicles, announces Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

The Transport Minister said this was in line with the government’s allocations under the Budget 2022.

Explaining further, Dr Wee said the exemption was only applicable to motor vehicles that had been specifically modified for the use of PwD.

"For motor vehicles that are not specifically modified, the exemption is only given to completely knocked down (CKD) vehicles and national cars.

"Eligible vehicles must be registered and licensed under the particular PwD, who must be registered with and in possession of a valid PwD card issued by the Welfare Department," he said in a statement on Monday (Feb 14).

The exception was also extended to motor vehicles registered and owned by parents, guardians or spouses of PWD with the condition that the PwD is also registered with the Welfare Department.

The application for this exemption would begin on March 15.

In the Budget 2022, the government had committed to fully pay motor vehicle licences for private vehicles owned by PwD, to lessen the cost of living for the PwD community,

Dr Wee said as for the electric vehicles, the exemption was from Jan 1 this year to Dec 31, 2025.

"This exemption is only given to full EV vehicles, whether powered by battery or by fuel cells and not applicable to hybrid vehicles which are equipped with either petrol or diesel-powered internal combustion engines," he added.

The application for the exemption would begin on Tuesday (Feb 15).

The minister said eligible vehicle owners who have already obtained a licence (new or renewed) after Jan 1 and before the starting date to apply for either exemption were entitled to a rebate.

"They or their representatives may surrender the motor vehicle licence and be entitled to be paid a rebate to an amount as may be prescribed.

"Subsequently, the vehicle owner can proceed to apply for the motor vehicle licence exemption," said Dr Wee.

The public can contact the Road Transport Department customer service for further details and information on the implementation of this incentive.