It cannot be denied that many Malaysian drivers love modifying their vehicles. But this is not necessarily limited to aftermarket accessories.
A type of modification often seen on Malaysian roads is the rebadging of various cars from its original (local) brand or model. Manufacturers produce cars in various models and brands for different markets, but based on a single chassis type, which leads to the possibility of changing a vehicle’s facade or bodywork to resemble one from a different country.
One of the best examples of this type of modification is the Perodua Myvi, that has a counterpart in the Japanese domestic market, the Toyota Passo. Another example is the Proton Wira, that shares its DNA with the Mitsubishi Lancer, and the list goes on.
These types of modifications are common, but are they illegal? Our colleague from paultan.org’s Bahasa Malaysia section, Hazril Hafiz, posed this question to Datuk Ir. Haji Mohamad Dalib, director of the Road Transport Department (JPJ) automotive engineering department.
“Every vehicle registered in Malaysia has its own identity. Its manufacturer, the model type, the design and other factors,” he said. “Everything that is approved during the Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) process for a vehicle to be driven on Malaysian roads cannot be modified to any whim and fancy,” added Mohamad.
What is meant by a vehicle’s identity? There are two factors that are emphasised – the logo or badge of the manufacturer as well as the model in question, and the vehicle’s body panels. “If the owner changes the brand logo of their vehicle, for example, from Perodua to Daihatsu, or Toyota, that is illegal,” he clarified.
The JPJ director also gave examples from more recent car models, such as the Proton Perdana, which is a rebadged eighth-generation Honda Accord. “Even though we acknowledge the Perdana uses the Honda Accord as a basis, if the brand logo or model is changed to Honda Accord, it is an offence,” he added.
Some may ask, what is the actual offence being committed? He explained the offence is, “changing a vehicle’s identity without permission,” which attracts an instant summons. This also includes other models which fall under the same category, such as the Proton Inspira.
Thus, as a precautionary measure, if any car owner wants to rebadge their vehicle, it would be wise to refer to the JPJ beforehand, before making any sort of modification, even for something as simple as changing a car’s logo. For further reference, please refer to our earlier articles on the installation of over-sized rear wings and HID lighting.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
john
on 
LOL
on 
rof lmao
on 
alldisc
on 
nazee
on 
YB Kunta Kinte
on 
Abang Alza Pakai Topi
on 
john
on 
Redidiot
on 
Azizi
on 
thepolygonal
on 
Pan Pan Government kingdom
on 
Rip
on 
RT
on 
heybadigol (Member)
on 
Mr Simon
on 
azrai
on 
ahmahfazo
on 
car
on 
cnp
on 
badzmarutama
on 
klk
on 
Anything But Toyota, Greedy Honda, Nissan Tidur
on 
Kutuk kinte copy paste story again
on 
normal_user
on 
orang biasa
on 
amonrei
on 
Jasonxer
on 
Nenek kau
on 
Anything But Toyota, Greedy Honda, Nissan Tidur
on 
Sehn
on 
Faiz
on 
Susukotak
on 
Dong Gor
on 
Hailut
on 
Yoyo
on 
Vinnie
on 
Zack46
on 
IGP mom
on 
Ben Yap
on 
leonardo
on 
Not Toyota Fan
on 
amoi
on 
Lawson
on 
CarGod
on 
abezed
on 
Netizen
on 
pumpkin76
on 
Ahmad Damad
on 
cendol (Member)
on 
1924
on 
Mas
on 
f20
on 
abc
on 
Bernard
on 
Richard Khor
on 
Semi-Value (Member)
on 
UNECE
on 
Kambeng
on 
AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments largely discuss the legality and perceptions of rebadging vehicles, with some highlighting it as a common practice among car owners and a potential safety concern for law enforcement. Several point out that rebadging can be legal, especially after vehicle registration, and reflect on how authorities may selectively enforce related laws. Others criticize the inconsistency, noting that manufacturers also rebadge cars, and question the law's focus on badges instead of more pressing issues like illegal modifications or unsafe body kits. A few comments humorously compare rebadging to cosmetic plastic surgery, with some suggesting that removing badges altogether is as effective as rebadging. Overall, opinions vary from viewing rebadging as harmless or even necessary to considering it an unfair, poorly enforced law.