The Malaysian Ministry of Transport (MOT) recently published new guidelines for de-controlled vehicles and pickup trucks in Malaysia. Beginning April 1, 2026, goods vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of up to 7,500 kg, alongside pick-up trucks, are both categorised as de-controlled vehicles.
But what does “de-controlled” mean exactly? To put it simply, owners of these vehicles – including companies – are now allowed to transport their own goods – whether for personal use or business – without requiring an operator’s permit from the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD).
For privately-owned pickup trucks, owners wil also be able to transport their own goods within the truck bed – so long as they are transported in a safe manner not exceeding the vehicle’s rated gross vehicle weight, and do not pose as a safety risk to other road users.
However, vehicles used for hire or payment, such as those used for Lalamove services, are still considered commercial vehicles, and as such, require a permit from APAD.
In the same vein, the MOT is also loosening restrictions of Class D driving licences, with licence holders now permitted to operate de-controlled vehicles with an unladen weight of up to 4,000 kg, rather than the previous 3,500 kg limit.
According to the MOT, the new higher limit is intended to account for the additional weight from cargo bodies and additional structures that have been installed onto the vehicles.
