by AUFA MARDHIAH

MALAYSIANS can renew their driving licence for up to 10 years beginning May 8, 2023, from the current maximum of five years.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke (centre) announced that for those who renew their licences for 10 years, there will be a 10% discount, while those who choose shorter periods, the fee remains at RM30 a year.

It is only applicable to Malaysians and Loke advised those living abroad to return home to renew their licences.

He said the purpose of the moratorium is to encourage people to renew their expiring driving licences.

Loke also announced that all drivers whose licence expired from Jan 1, 2018, onwards can make renewals without retaking a driving test.

“This takes into account the Movement Control Order (MCO) during the Covid-19 pandemic and constraints faced by Malaysians abroad who could not return home to renew their driving licence.

“The Transport Ministry (MoT) will give special dispensation to anyone whose licence has expired from the validity period to renew their respective licence without having to retake the test,” he said at a press conference at his ministry today.

This initiative will only last until Dec 31, 2023, after which the previous policy will come into force again on Jan 1, 2024.

Both initiatives are only available at Road Transport Department (JPJ) offices and are only available to licence holders who are not subject to any JPJ transaction limitations, not blacklisted by the police, and not suspended by court order.

Loke said there are around one million licences that have expired for more than three years and less than five years.