KUALA LUMPUR – The shortage of road tax discs, which has seen motorists driving with expired road taxes, is being resolved as economic sectors continue to remain open under the movement control order (MCO).
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong said those whose road taxes had expired in March and April will be getting their road tax discs by this month and the next.
The accumulated backlog of applications for the discs, including for competent driving licences, involve some 3.5 million applications.
“We have resolved it. After this, the road tax discs will be available to motorists. We understand the public’s apprehension, but they have nothing to worry about,” Wee told The Vibes recently.
He said the problem is multifold, including that the MCO has impacted the supply chain and processes, as well as other outstanding issues that have been resolved.
The second and third MCOs have seen counter operations at Road Transport Department (RTD) branches being disrupted as road tax renewal is not regarded as essential.
Post offices nationwide have also ceased road tax renewal services during the MCO.
Motorists are still allowed to operate their vehicles as long as they have renewed their motor insurance. Hence, it is crucial for them to have the latest insurance cover note when operating their vehicles, and they need to present it to the authorities, such as police and RTD personnel, at roadblocks.
This is not the first time there has been a shortage of road tax discs in recent times.
In 2017, there was a nationwide shortage that stemmed from the contractor’s inability to cope with demand. It took two months to resolve the issue. – The Vibes, May 24, 2021
