Transport Ministry Classifies Pick-Up Trucks As De-Controlled, Owners Can Now Carry Own Goods Without Permit

Many road users may not have been aware of this ruling but prior to the Malaysian Ministry of Transport (MOT) recently reclassified pick-up trucks as de-controlled vehicles, even private owners of the vehicles were not permitted to carry their own goods in the bed without a permit. The MOT recently published revised guidelines that stated

Many road users may not have been aware of this ruling but prior to the Malaysian Ministry of Transport (MOT) recently reclassified pick-up trucks as de-controlled vehicles, even private owners of the vehicles were not permitted to carry their own goods in the bed without a permit.

The MOT recently published revised guidelines that stated goods vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of up to 7,500 kg, including pick-up trucks, are now de-controlled vehicles beginning 1 April 2026.

This revision now allows owners of these vehicles to transport their own goods without requiring a permit from the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD). The transportation of goods can be done either for personal or business purposes.

Private owners of pick-up trucks will be able to transport the goods within the bed but have to ensure they are secured properly so as to not pose a safety risk to other road users and also not exceed the vehicle’s rated gross vehicle weight or payload capacity.

However, there are exceptions for this rule. Privately owned pick-up trucks used for hire purposes, such as for Lalamove, will still require a permit from APAD.

“If the vehicle is used to carry goods belonging to a third party for hire or reward, the operator must obtain a Class A carrier permit from APAD in accordance with the Land Public Transport Act 2010,” explained Transport Minister Anthony Loke, as reported by the Malay Mail.

In addition to the revision, the MOT also increased the unladen weight restrictions for Class D de-controlled vehicles driving licences from 3,500 kg to 4,000 kg.

“This flexibility takes into account the additional weight from cargo bodies or other structures installed on the vehicle,” added Loke.