Malaysians Will Be Able To Rent RVs For Road Trips Starting 2026

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The Ministry of Transport (MOT) has announced that recreational vehicles (RVs) can be licensed and regulated for commercial use in Malaysia starting 1 January 2026

According to Bernama, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the move is aimed at developing Malaysia's RV-based tourism industry, which has been growing steadily.

Under the new policy, he said RVs will be allowed as Self-Drive Tourist Hire Vehicles in Peninsular Malaysia and Self-Drive Hire Cars in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan.

Only new RVs — either Completely Knocked Down (CKD) or Completely Built Up (CBU) units — will be eligible for rental

However, privately-owned RVs registered before 31 December 2025 may also be commercialised, provided they are not more than 15 years old and pass a safety inspection by the Road Transport Department (JPJ).

To streamline applications, Loke said MOT and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) will introduce a "single window" system

Through this, MOTAC will issue the tourism-related licences to RV owners, removing the need for multiple permits.

"So, any new RV intended for rental would only require a single permit from MOTAC to be used for tourism activities, as this falls beyond MOT's jurisdiction," he said during the groundbreaking ceremony of JPJ's new Kajang office on Tuesday, 23 September.

He emphasised that this licensing measure is crucial for regulating operations, ensuring safety, and protecting renters' interests through the enforcement of stipulated permits.