Report: Special Number Plates Generated RM45.9 million For B40

The Yang Di-Pertuan Agong with his 'GOLD 1' plate that he won after placing a staggering bid of RM1.5 million for it.

According to recent report by local daily Malay Mail, the Malaysian government collected RM45.9 million last year generated from the sale of special number plate series – i.e. ‘GOLD’, ‘EV’, and ‘MADANI’.

Critically, funds raised from the sale of the special number plate series mentioned were then channelled into various assistances and initiatives for underprivileged groups, namely Malaysians who fall under the B40 income group and category.

“All proceeds from these sales were channelled into the Consolidated Fund under the Finance Ministry, and subsequently, 50% was allocated to the Transport Ministry for initiatives benefiting underprivileged groups,” confirmed the Ministry of Transport (MoT) recently.

The ministry explained this details as part of its response to a parliamentary query raised by Jerantut MP Khairil Nizam Khirudin.

As highlighted by MoT, the funds had supported a slew of its key initiatives such as the MyLesen programme, which assisted eligible Malaysians by covering driving test fees for B2 motorcycle, Goods Driving Licence (GDL), e-hailing, as well as taxi licences.

Besides the 'GOLD' series, MoT also released the 'EV' series and MADANI' series special number plates. Altogether, these have generated up to RM45.9 million in funds that went on to benefit underprivileged and B40 Malaysians via various initiatives. 

MoT also reportedly allocated said funds for its free motorcycle helmets programme for both adults and children. Funds collected here were also used for the FLYsiswa initiative to provide flight ticket subsidies to eligible students from public higher learning institutes.

At a portion of funds generated by the sale of special number plate series for Socso contributions under the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme for taxi, rental car, and school bus drivers.

Moreover, the ‘GOLD’ number plate series sale even sponsored the remaining 10% of the insurance contribution, ensuring adequate protection under the Self-Employment Social Security Act 2017.