PUTRAJAYA: Enthusiasts of special vehicle registration numbers will soon have a chance to bid for the exclusive V____MY series launched in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM 2026).
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister (Motac) Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the move, done in cooperation with the Road Transport Department, has the potential of appealing to those attracted to high-value number plates.
Bidding will last from June 13 to June 17 on the JPJ e-Bid portal, with opening bids beginning at a minimum of RM300.
Previous launches of special registration number plates have seen the Road Transport Department (JPJ) collect between RM11mil and RM20mil.
Besides JPJ, Tiong also thanked Transport Minister Anthony Loke for supporting the ministry’s efforts to ensure the success of VM 2026.
“At the same time, this initiative helps us raise more funds to promote VM 2026 as part of our efforts to attract more domestic and international tourists,” he said in his speech, which was read by Deputy Motac Minister Chiew Choon Man yesterday.
Tiong also urged the public, non-government organisations, tourism operators and industry players to enhance promotions and efforts towards VM 2026.
Motac and Tourism Malaysia, he said, will continue strengthening cooperation with state government agencies, airlines, tourism operators, hospitality industry players, entrepreneurs and local creative industries to ensure all visitors have the best possible experiences in Malaysia.
“Our goal is not only to welcome 47 million international tourists but also promote more destinations and experiences that Malaysia can offer, so that more people will know about our country’s uniqueness.
“If our sector succeeds and tourist arrivals increase, it brings a major positive impact to the national economy, especially for the business community, hotel operators, traders, restaurants, transportation sector and more.
“Everyone will feel the benefits,” he said.
Speaking to reporters later, Chiew said some 17.5 million international tourists have visited Malaysia as of May this year.
He said this puts Malaysia on track for achieving its VM 2026 goals.
“The ministry, through Tourism Malaysia and other stakeholders, will continue carrying out both global and domestic promotional programmes to further improve tourist arrivals,” he said, adding that collaborations will also be carried out together with travel agents, influencers and the media.
In light of rising jet fuel prices and global uncertainty, Chiew said the ministry is working hard to facilitate easier travel into Malaysia.
“We want to keep the momentum and attract more tourists. We also have several initiatives together with airlines and travel agencies to increase the number of inbound flights,” he said.
