Transport Minister Anthony Loke has issued a stern warning to motorists with expired driving licences, stating they risk losing eligibility for the government’s targeted RON95 petrol subsidy if their licences have lapsed for more than three years.
Speaking at a press conference at the Transport Ministry, Loke clarified that only Malaysians with valid or recently expired driving licences—those lapsed for no more than three years—are eligible for the subsidy, as verified through the Road Transport Department (RTD) system. “Once a licence has been expired for over three years, it is deemed inactive, rendering the holder automatically ineligible for the subsidy,” he explained. “Such individuals will also need to retake the Part II and Part III driving tests to regain a valid licence.”
According to RTD records, approximately 2.4 million competent driving licence (CDL) holders have expired licences, with the majority lapsed for over three years. However, 925,421 motorists still have time to renew, with their licences falling within the three-year window. The breakdown includes:
- 551,688 licences expired for less than one year
- 219,092 licences expired between one and two years
- 154,641 licences expired between two and three years
“I urge these 925,000 motorists to renew immediately to avoid complications,” Loke stressed. “Don’t wait until it’s too late.”
Loke highlighted the ease of the renewal process, noting that it can be completed in minutes via the MyJPJ application, as well as at kiosks and counters nationwide. Since the Finance Ministry announced the new subsidy mechanism on September 22, the RTD has recorded 26,191 renewals through digital platforms and service points.
The minister also explained that subsidy verification will be seamlessly integrated with MyKad and driving licence records, with petrol companies linking the process to their e-wallet systems. “Motorists no longer need to present a physical licence at the pump,” Loke said. “The system will automatically verify eligibility.”
Loke emphasized that the three-year rule aligns with existing regulations, which declare licences expired beyond this period void, necessitating a retest. “Our priority is to ensure road safety while delivering the subsidy to genuine and responsible road users,” he concluded.
