Transport Minister Anthony Loke. – Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Driving licences that can be renewed for up to 10 years are being considered by the government, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
He said Transport Ministry officers have been told to study the feasibility of the proposal.
"Maybe we can offer discounts for those who renew for 10 years to encourage Malaysians to renew their licences for longer periods. It is an option that might be implemented in future," said Loke during his winding-up speech on the motion of thanks on the Royal Address in Parliament on Wednesday (Feb 22).
Loke also said the Transport Ministry was conducting a study on the current road tax structure to reduce its cost.
"We must understand that road taxes are a big revenue source for the government, nearly RM3bil.
"So far, no decision has been made on the matter but I will consider it," added Loke.
Currently, Malaysian driving licences can be renewed yearly or a maximum of five years.
Loke also said they were also studying the road tax structure for electric vehicles (EV) to encourage EV ownership.
He said he was aware that road taxes for certain EVs were more expensive than regular vehicles.
"So far, we have a tax holiday on EV road taxes. I will ask Transport Ministry officers to study how EV taxes can be in line with our policies on promoting EVs.
"There has to be incentives in terms of competitive road taxes and charging stations," added Loke.
A road tax exemption for EVs is in place from Jan 1, 2022 to Dec 31, 2025.
