Car number plates to be controlled items
source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/1/10/nation/16521429&sec=nation
source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/1/10/nation/16521429&sec=nation
By SIM LEOI LEOI
[email protected]
PUTRAJAYA: Car number plates will become a controlled item and will be distributed and sold only by authorised dealers appointed by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) once the e-plate system comes into effect.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said once implemented, the e-plate, which uses a microchip with Radio Frequency Identification, would become available to everyone buying new cars.
“The number plates will contain a microchip with the car chassis and engine numbers and the design will be standardised,” he told reporters after an hour dialogue with representatives from the Association of Allied Advertisers. “This feature is an enhanced security measure for car owners.
“Use of the e-plate is expected to significantly reduce the number of stolen cars being smuggled across our border points into neighbouring countries as well as help the Government to better enforce road rules under our camera surveillance system.
“The Government has decided that the system will be implemented only for new cars at present and this will happen gradually over three to five years.”
Chan said in many advanced countries like Australia and Europe, car number plates were already a controlled item.
However, car owners could change their existing number plates for the e-plate if they felt the enhanced security feature would help protect their vehicles from theft, he added.
“So far, the Government has received 13 proposals on the e-plate technology. These are under technical evaluation by JPJ.
“We hope the e-plate system can be implemented later this year.”
Chan assured the local advertisers association, whose members are distributors and makers of car number plates, a role in the the e-plate system.
“They have a wide network of shops and members, so perhaps we can utilise them as authorised dealers,” he said.
Association president Kho Kheng Hee said the members were relieved that the e-plate system would not push them out of business.