Decontrolled vehicle drivers allowed to use Class D licence, says Dr Wee

PETALING JAYA: Drivers of decontrolled vehicles with unloaded weight (BTM) of more than 3,500kg but not over 4,000kg are now allowed to drive using a Class D licence.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said this special permission is effective immediately and will expire at a time to be determined.

“This special permission also aims to help the industry in reducing the cost of doing business, as well as making it easier for industry players to get drivers who have a valid Class D licence, especially as the country is recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This will also open up additional job opportunities for all Malaysians in order to achieve the wishes and objectives of the Malaysian Family,” Dr Wee said in a statement today.

He, however, noted that decontrolled vehicles with unloaded weight exceeding 4,000kg must be operated by drivers with a valid Class E licence.

Decontrolled vehicles are vehicles with a laden weight (BDM) not exceeding 7,500kg that are used to carry the owner's own goods only.

Dr Wee said around 96% of registered decontrolled vehicles have an unloaded weight of less than 3,500kg, which allows drivers to use a Class D licence.

However, there are a small number of vehicles, around 3% of decontrolled vehicles, with a gross vehicle weight of between 3,500kg and 4,000kg, he said.

The majority of the vehicles involved are models that have the same vehicle identification number or chassis, said Dr Wee.

However, following construction, design and materials used to build the space to transport goods, the unloaded weight limit has exceeded about 500kg of the unloaded weight limit of a motor car, he said.

This resulted in a small number of drivers having to obtain a Class E licence as the unloaded weight has exceeded the motor car category, even though the original model and chassis of the vehicle is the same as the original model vehicle whose unloaded weight is less than 3,500kg, said Dr Wee.

He added that the Transport Ministry had been aware of these difficulties faced by operators, owners and drivers of decontrolled vehicles on having to possess another class of licence when driving the vehicle.

“It is hoped that with this special permission to now allow the drivers to use a Class D licence, it can help restore and boost the country's economic growth which will ultimately benefit all Malaysians,” said Dr Wee.