This week, the government introduced special plates for electric vehicles – distinctive white background plates with Euro-style fonts and an identifier strip on the left side. Colour and font aside, another big departure from the regular white-on-black plates is that JPJePlate is made of aluminium, and the numbers are embossed on the plate. It’s tamper-proof and RFID-equipped, too.
Currently, JPJePlate is a pilot project to make it easy to differentiate EVs from ICE-powered cars. It will be the primary identification for enforcement action (EV-only parking, for example) as well in accidents, ensuring an appropriate response during emergencies – EVs fires need to be countered differently, for instance.
JPJePlate is for now mandatory only for new EVs, and the rest of us (including EVs that are already on the road) can continue to use our plastic black plates. But be in no doubt that this is the first step towards standardised plates for all new vehicles excluding motorcycles in the future.
Malaysia is outdated, an outlier
Travellers, have you ever wondered why Malaysia is seemingly ‘lawless’ and free-for-all when it comes to number plates, when all of our neighbours – never mind the rest of the world – use standardised number plates? By all accounts, we’re pretty advanced – did you know that Malaysia ranks fourth in the list of countries with the most skyscrapers behind China, USA and the UAE? We also have a high population of nice cars here.
It’s a rare situation that’s more than a bit strange. At a pre-launch briefing, the transport ministry said that Malaysia is among 5% of the countries still using traditional acrylic plates globally, and it is looking to gradually move away from that.
The initiative to introduce JPJePlate is aimed at exploring the eventual standardisation of the licence plate for all new vehicles registered in Malaysia, effectively eliminating fancy fonts/non-regulation plates and reducing the likelihood of vehicle cloning, among other things related to falsification of number plates, MoT added.
At the JPJePlate launch event, transport minister Anthony Loke said that the plate’s reflective white background and high legibility will also improve visibility aspects of a vehicle during the night, ensuring better road safety. This reminds me of the many cases where vehicles (usually motorcycles) ram into a stationary vehicle in the dark, adding to our grim road accident fatality rate.
The future, without a doubt
The FAQ page of JPJePlate also points to the ‘white Euro plates’ being the future for all vehicles in Malaysia, excluding motorcycles. The official description of JPJePlate is “an initiative.. to revolutionise the transport industry. Its primary goal is to increase road safety and standardise all number plate design on the road.” That’s very clear from the authorities, leaving no room for misinterpretation.
“The first phase of implementing the JPJePlate number plates will begin with Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs), which include electric motor vehicles (EVs) other than motorcycles that are fully powered by electric batteries (Plug-in EV/Battery Cell) or by hydrogen fuel cells (Hydrogen Fuel-Cell EV), through a National Roll Out (NRO). Further expansions to include other types of vehicles will be announced in due course,” JPJ adds.
SOPs to get used to
There’s a lot more to the JPJePlate than its white background and Euro-look. Sourced from Tonnjes, a German specialist company, the plate features holographic stripes, an anti-counterfeiting foil, a digital signature in the form of a QR code, laser-engraved serial number, embedded RFID and security screws for installation.
Speaking of installation, it’s a big departure from the current free-for-all style, where anyone can stick white letters on a gloss black plate. The job of affixing the JPJePlate, including the windshield sticker, is carried out by the vehicle retailer or authorised centres – accessory shops can now apply to be an authorised installer, but must first go through registration and training before they are allowed to access the system.
The JPJePlate is affixed to the car with provided security screws, which are one-way screws that require a special screwdriver. JPJ says that these screws cannot be removed easily without breaking both the screws and their covers, and forcibly removing the screws might damage the plate. This is an anti-theft feature, but JPJ is also allowing the 52 x 11 cm metal plates to be held by a conventional plastic frame, as some vehicle owners fear damage from the screws.
Currently, Handal Ceria is the sole company appointed through an open tender process to handle the supply and ordering of JPJePlate. It’s a low volume pilot project for now, and there’s a need to streamline and check for issues, hence the lone player.
“The selection of a single company for this phase is intended to ensure a more organised and controlled implementation. This approach is a practical step by the transport ministry and JPJ to collaborate, streamline the process, and address any issues that may arise. The implementation will be expanded to include all types of vehicles in the subsequent phases, and the addition of more suppliers will be considered,” JPJ said.
Note the ‘expanded to include all types of vehicles’ line as yet another explicit mention of the NRO.
RFID and ANPR for Multi-lane free flow
Aside from the above-mentioned safety, security and identification (when the white plates are used by all in the future, the colour of the left strip will be the differentiator, eg: green for EVs) reasons, JPJePlate will “act as a variable for the integrated Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) ecosystem with RFID,” JPJ says.
In other words, a standardised number plate system with no variation of fonts/spacing/sizing will assist in automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), which together with RFID are core components of Multi-lane free flow (MLFF). It will rid our highways of toll plazas, which are often bottlenecks.
Speaking of RFID, the JPJePlate has RFID embedded into the metal plate itself (as opposed to stuck on), which will then act as an antenna; this is still classified as passive RFID (active would require a power source), but the signal would be much stronger than the current stickers employed by Touch n Go. Each JPJePlate comes with a windshield sticker too; this has the same functionality as the metal plate and the RFID chip on the sticker acts as a backup.
We were informed by Tonnjes that the RFID and holograms are made to the same security standards as what’s used in international passports, and the RFID element in the plate can be used as an identifier at speeds of up to 230 km/h – here’s a deep dive into how RFID works in the JPJePlate context.
Not many realise this, but ANPR and RFID are already working together at our toll plazas – full story here. Additionally, there are plans to enable payment for toll (pending agreements with toll concessionaires and TnG), parking (together with ANPR, which is already being used in some malls) and even F&B drive-throughs by the number plate RFID.
Issues and timeline
It all sounds good, but we do have a few questions. In its present form, the JPJePlate comes in a single 52 x 11 cm size, which fits most cars and numbers.
Most, because special plates like the MALAYSIA, PATRIOT, PERFECT and PUTRAJAYA series definitely won’t fit; it looks like four alphabets and four letters are the maximum that the plate can take, based on the standard font size, as demonstrated by IIUM 6763 at the launch. There was also a RIMAU car, but it had just two digits. The JPJePlate website has a preview tool for your number, and keying in MALAYSIA generates a hilariously long plate.
Also, cars with square number plate slots like those from the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) will have an issue – currently, one can just stack the ABCs and 123s in two levels, as seen on the Toyota MR2 below.
While the government has made it very clear that JPJePlate is the future, implementation for EVs is just the first step and no timeline was shared. JPJePlate is compulsory for all new EVs registered from now, and is optional for existing EV owners. However, the option to maintain your old plate will not be forever.
Buried deep in the FAQ section for business partners, JPJ says that there will be a day when all EV owners will have to make the switch to JPJePlate. “Existing ZEV owners are not required to switch immediately, but they will have a transition period to convert to the new ZEV number plate. Keep an eye out for announcements from MOT and JPJ regarding the timeline,” it said.
Such a model might be employed when JPJePlate reaches the mainstream – mandatory for ICE cars registered after the announced date, with a ‘transition period’ for all other cars on the road to switch. The roads would look funny though, with a mix of black and white plates. However, at some point JPJePlate will have to be made mandatory for all, especially if ANPR and MLFF are to be implemented nationwide.
We reckon that this would be a concern for the transport ministry (or at the very least, it will be on their minds), as it involves extra cost for the rakyat, who might then react with anger and complaints. It won’t be a good move from a political perspective – much like removing blanket fuel subsidy – but for progress to be made, the government of the day will have to take a hit. At least there are no plans to introduce JPJePlate for motorcycles.
By the way, the current JPJePlate price of RM98 per set of front/rear plates and the windshield sticker, is very reasonable considering the tech and embossing. A set of basic plastic plates already cost around RM60 in the Klang Valley and we’ve seen accessory shops charge up to RM300 for custom (read fancy and illegal) plates.
What do you think of this generational move from black to standardised white plates with tech?
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Please don’t do this kind of nonsense lah, our lives are already full of unnecessarily expensive B.S.
Do adopts EU standards motorcycle registration plate as well
Kapchai how?
Got to toe the line
Are you involved in cloning vehicles, number plate falsification, using fancy number plate to avoid detection by authority, involved in illegal activities? If not, how could this positive step be a burden to you? This is a good step towards betterment of the entire transportation system, everyone gains from it.
Another scam from penipu scammer PH Gomen to rake in more money from our rakyat.
I think this is a bloody good idea. It should have been 30 years ago. It should be mandatory and given out free so that everyone is forced to use it. Any damaged or replacement, the user must pay. All police petrol car should come with system that auto read number plate and red flag any car/motorbike that is found breaking the law.
Agree.. thiss should have been done ages ago. Perhaps they can do it as part of roadtax renewal activity, by at least giving it free or discount one for one time.
This technology may help people by identifying who is eligible for fuel subsidy, etc. No need to worry if foreigners come fill in ron 95, but have to pay full price. Just like shell which uses rfid to do refueling. This is a good move. Should expedite asap.
Okay this is good move but this should have done decades ago.
Different people were running the country decades ago
True, different people were running the country back then, but the ones running the country now opposed such measures tooth and nail for decades, preventing such initiatives from being implemented. Smart number plates.. speed limiter for heavy vehicles.. mandatory fleet tracking with GPS.. black boxes for express buses.. the list goes on and on and on. Rocket and bunghole parties shot down every effort to enforce more traffic safety on our roads, saying it’s zalim and a burden to the people.
It’s only a burden if they don’t get to take credit for it.
You mean same people running thr country….
from far it looks like the characters are carbon fiber, upon closer inspection its actually the words.
I’m curious to see how the application is to motorcycles. I can see for the rear plate but not really the front. Hopefully not like the old days where the plate was over the front fender like a fish fin.
HELL NO. I would rather not riding anymore
I always wonder why we are still using plastic number plate unlike our neighbours which using more durable metal plate.
Well done. Finally we are doing something right. Daulat tuanku. Agong has a good vision
Now lets see all those supercars with flat front plate stickers for aerodynamic purposes halal by jpj react to this new change
next, govt can start with govt and commercial vehicles.
Cadangan… bendera tu kekalkan tapi bawah tu letak singkatan negeri daftar. Euro sbb byk negera dlm kesatuan.
Adakan pilihan 2 line
Persoalan… kita pernah hadapi isu dengan chip pada mykad/passport. Adakah isu sama boleh berlaku pada plat ni?
Our guess is plausibly this going to be ASEAN standardised vehicle registration plate. Top left for country flag and bottom left for country name abbreviation.
Well to be frank both ideas can still coexist. Being an ASEAN standardized vrp doesn’t mean we can’t have the country flag with the states below. Like a Malaysian flag with PRK (for Perak) KLN (for Kelantan) SBH (for Sabah) WPKL, WPP, WPL (for wilayah persekutuan). Even if we ended up with the same abbreviation for the states between countries, we still have the flag to differentiate them. This new system may allow the possibility of a bearer from Perak (A) to also have KL (W/V) no plates too but still have the vehicle actual origin.
While it is great to see it finally come to pass, there are multiple issues with this implementation:-
I disagree that installation must be handled by accessories shop. This isn’t rocket science, plates in Germany are issued direct to the owner after TUV inspection for the owner to install. This German company trying to spin some scheisse with JPJ issit?
Accessories shop having access to a JPJ online system? And expected to handle private identifiable information like IC numbers/addresses coupled with a payment system? JPJ going to issue the terminal or using a pc self assembled from Low Yat with minimal security? Can anyone see the huge gaping cybersecurity hole in this? They must be mad lah.
If some of the purpose of this is to streamline things with JPJ and reduce queues/runners and kopi money then why go this way? Issue the plate/sticker/screws, scan the owners IC/thumbprint as acknowledgement of receipt and then if any issues with the plate after that owner punya pasal lah kasi denda nicely if user error. Why must pay accessory shop money for simple stuff like this? Already have to pay ~RM 100 for the new plates. How much are accessory shops going to charge for this service? Using security screws will only deter honest people. Before long the tool to remove them and replacement/lookalike screws will be on lazada/shopee and it won’t matter. Its a moot point anyway if they are allowing the plate to be mounted inside a plastic frame and even less of an argument to allow accessories shop to handle this.
What is the obsession with RFID attached to the plate? Constant surveillance of the population issit? Say only to facilitate MLFF and for security reasons but nothing to say big brother won’t use it for other purposes…
If I recall correctly in Europe you can get the plates made in any accessory shop as long as they meet the standard. Once done, you must take the plates to the registration office to inspect and to get a road tax sticker which must be applied to the plates and then you can self-install.
Alternatively, there are some authorised workshops who will do all for you: prep of the plate, registration, sticker and installation..
Lets have some Schnitzels
Whilst the black plates look cooler, I like that the plates are really reflective in the dark. Hopefully, this helps to avoid an accident or two. EU motorcycle have reflective rear-plates (square shaped).
In many Euro countries, you also see warning signs at car parking spots reminding owners to ensure their number plates are properly secured to the vehicles, and it’s a criminal offence to steal number plates. I was wondering why, and my colleague told me that these number plates can be stolen and affixed to another car to commit crime. Every solution tends to come with a problem or two..
Let’s “berpijak di bumi yg nyata”, even without the RFID present on the plates, our lives are already under constant surveillance via our phones usage and the data being sold for a price, so what’s your point really?
Cakap senang but why cannot enforce now and need to wait for this “white plates” to go live first?
Also, since is kinda a monopoly game, will it suffer the same fate like those plates on eg. proton waja (2003 onwards) where the lettering will be faded and soon after got into trouble with JPJ padahal is lock standard since day 1 I got the car.
Syoklah the plate supplier. Mamang Handal dapatkan project. Lepas ni Ceria sentiasa.
Betul2 Untung. Rasanya macam Atas Angin.
One way to check who is eligible for petrol/diesel subsidy.
If plate was tampered can verify easily, provided the scanning of plate is working at 99% uptime.
Smart move.
better late then never
Thank you very much.
Finally, we can say byebye to the ugly Arial font car plate.
the one who hates this must be the fancy number owner. cant buy proper 805 or 8055, instead cheaper 1305. haha
Totally agree with the idea of standardised metal plates.
But at least maintain the black background with white lettering lah. The new white background is so ugly like taxi.
The white background is for the reflective purpose. If it maintained the black background, only the white characters will reflective. Very hard to see your registration number at night.
Since it is RM90 now,can existing petrol cars change to the new plates now?
please don’t write number 4 digit and yes five digit because more lottery number 4D shop