Here are the step-by-step MITI requirements for importing a personal car to Malaysia using a Returning Student or Worker Personal AP?
Over the decades some Malaysians might have heard how students studying in England or Japan and even America (but will be left hand drive) have imported in their own cars. There are even some Malaysians working abroad (embassy and government agency staff and contract workers) who have brought back their personal belongings and a car with low import duties.
Well, many readers have asked me this over the years and so we decided to share this information in case you were planning to bring in a Pagani or a Honda.
To import a personal motor vehicle into Malaysia under a Personal Approved Permit (Personal AP) issued by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), returning students and workers must meet strict eligibility, ownership, and documentation requirements.
A Personal AP is granted once in a lifetime per eligible Malaysian citizen.
Step 1: Verify Eligibility Criteria. Before applying, ensure you fulfill all mandatory MITI conditions:
Residency: You must have lived, worked, or studied abroad legally (with a valid work/student visa) for a continuous period of at least 1 full year (12 months). (Note: Singapore and Brunei residents are generally excluded; dependent visa holders are not eligible).
Vehicle Ownership & Insurance: The car must be registered AND insured under your name overseas for at least 9 consecutive months prior to your permanent return date to Malaysia.
Driver’s License: You must possess a valid, full driver’s license (Malaysian or recognized foreign) covering the entire ownership period. (Provisional/learner licenses are rejected).
Application Window: The AP application must be submitted within 3 months of your official return date to Malaysia.
Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents. You must prepare certified copies of the following documents to upload to the online portal:
Identification & Visa: Malaysian NRIC (MyKad) and International Passport.
Overseas Study/Work Visa showing entry/exit stamps and valid residence status. Full Driver’s License.
Proof of Employment/Study Status: Official letter of employment offer and employment termination / resignation letter; OR University offer letter and official graduation certificate / completion letter. Sponsorship approval letter (if studying under a government/company scholarship or loan).
Proof of Vehicle Ownership: Foreign Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C in the UK, logbook, title, etc.) showing 9+ months of ownership.
Foreign Vehicle Insurance Certificate explicitly showing 9+ months of coverage under your name.
Original Purchase Invoice / Bill of Sale.
Proof of Return: Return flight tickets and boarding passes to Malaysia.
Step 3: Online AP Application Submission
Paper forms (Form JK 69) have been digitized via MITI’s electronic portal.
System Registration: Register an account on the ePermit Dagang Net system (epermit.dagangnet.com.my).
Data Entry & Document Upload: Fill in the personal details, vehicle specs (VIN, chassis number, engine capacity, market value), and upload the required certified documents.
Submission: Submit the application directly. MITI strictly prohibits third-party agents from submitting Personal AP applications on your behalf.
Processing Time: Standard processing by MITI’s Import and Export Control Division takes 7 to 14 working days.
Step 4: Vehicle Shipping and Port Clearance. Once MITI approves and issues the Personal AP.
Ship the Vehicle: Arrange container or Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping for the vehicle to a Malaysian port (e.g., Port Klang or Penang Port).
Customs Valuation & Duty Payment: Engage a shipping agent in Malaysia to handle Customs declaration via Customs Form No. 1 (K1).
Note: Although you hold a Personal AP, standard Malaysian import duties, excise taxes, and Sales & Service Tax (SST) still apply based on the Royal Malaysian Customs Department’s valuation of the car (CIF value).
Step 5: PUSPAKOM & JPJ Registration
PUSPAKOM Inspection: Transport the vehicle to PUSPAKOM for an Imported Vehicle Inspection (B2) to verify chassis/engine numbers and roadworthiness.
JPJ Registration: Present the PUSPAKOM report, MITI Personal AP, Customs K1 tax payment receipt, and insurance cover note to the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to obtain a Malaysian registration plate and road tax.
Key Restrictions & Lock-In Conditions. 2-Year Ownership Lock: A vehicle imported under a Personal AP cannot be transferred, sold, or assigned to any third party within 2 years from the date of JPJ registration.
Personal Registration Only: The vehicle can only be registered under the AP holder’s name.
#information shared above came from various sources and it is best to double check with MITI yourself.
