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4.4 Million Older Vehicles Still Active on Roads

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Estimated reading time: 7 minutes


Key Takeaways

  • Over 4.4 million vehicles aged 20+ years are actively used in Malaysia, representing 17.1% of the total active fleet, posing significant risks.
  • These older vehicles often lack crucial modern safety features like airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and reinforced cabin structures, increasing the risk of fatal accidents.
  • Aging engines are less efficient and lack modern emission control technologies, making them major contributors to air pollution.
  • The Malaysian government's RM4,000 incentive in Budget 2026 for replacing old vehicles with new national cars is a strategic move towards fleet modernization and enhanced safety.
  • Experts advocate for additional measures like tax incentives, down payment rebates for EEVs, and emission-based road tax to further accelerate the transition to a safer and greener vehicle fleet.

Table of Contents


Unveiling the Hidden Truth: Malaysia's Aging Fleet

Did you know that a staggering 17.1% of vehicles on Malaysian roads are over two decades old? That's right, according to data from the Road Transport Department (JPJ), more than 4.4 million vehicles aged 20+ years are still on roads, forming a significant portion of the nation's 25.7 million active vehicles. This statistic raises a critical question: Are the roads we drive on truly as safe as they could be, considering the age and condition of millions of vehicles sharing them? Today, we will discover why over 4.4 million vehicles aged 20+ years are still on roads. Learn about the implications of these older cars on road safety and infrastructure.

This blog post will delve into the profound implications of Malaysia's aging vehicle fleet, examining the risks to road safety, the environmental impact, and the economic burden on owners. We'll explore the government's timely RM4,000 incentive under Budget 2026 and discuss what additional measures experts believe are crucial for a comprehensive solution. Our goal is to provide a clear, data-driven understanding of this pressing issue and highlight the path towards a safer, more sustainable automotive future for Malaysia.


The Dual Threat: Safety & Environment

The prevalence of these older vehicles is not merely a statistical anomaly; it's a growing concern for road safety experts and environmental advocates alike. Many of these veteran cars lack fundamental modern safety features that are now standard in newer models, such as airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and reinforced cabin structures. These omissions significantly increase the risk of severe injury or fatality in the event of an accident. Concurrently, older engines, often less efficient and devoid of modern emission control technologies, contribute substantially to air pollution, impacting public health and environmental quality. Understanding these intertwined issues is the first step towards formulating effective solutions.


The Alarming Safety Deficit of Older Vehicles

When you're behind the wheel, or even as a passenger, the age of a vehicle directly correlates with its inherent safety capabilities. Professor Madya Dr. Law Teik Hua, Head of the Road Safety Research Centre at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), emphasizes that vehicles aged 20 years or more are typically devoid of crucial safety features that have become standard in modern cars. Imagine being in an accident without airbags to cushion the impact, or an ESC system to help prevent skidding and loss of control. These aren't luxuries; they're lifesavers.

The lack of a reinforced cabin structure in older models means less protection for occupants during a collision. While these older cars might be cherished by their owners, the reality is that their structural integrity and passive safety systems have significantly deteriorated over two decades of use. Sensors for airbags and seatbelts can malfunction, suspension systems wear out, and brakes become less responsive. Dr. Law poignantly notes that these factors drastically reduce the chance of survival in an accident, making the high number of aging vehicles on Malaysian roads a critical safety concern.


Environmental Fallout: Old Engines, New Pollution

Beyond the immediate safety concerns, the environmental footprint of an aging vehicle fleet is substantial and far-reaching. Dr. Law further explains that older engines are inherently less fuel-efficient compared to their modern counterparts. More importantly, they lack the sophisticated emission control technologies now mandatory in newer cars. This translates directly into higher levels of harmful pollutants released into the atmosphere, contributing significantly to urban air pollution and associated health problems.

According to Wan Agyl Wan Hassan, a transport policy expert and founder of MY Mobility Vision, studies indicate that older vehicles can produce up to 40 percent more emissions than modern models. This stark difference underscores the environmental imperative of fleet modernization. Replacing older vehicles isn't just about individual benefit; it's about a collective gain for society in the form of cleaner air and a healthier environment. The long-term implications for climate change and public health make the argument for phasing out older, less efficient cars even stronger.


The Costly Burden: High Repairs vs. Low Value

For owners of older vehicles, the decision to maintain or replace them often boils down to a tough economic reality. After two decades of service, most vehicles experience significant structural and mechanical degradation. We're talking about worn-out suspension systems, shock absorbers, and brakes. The risk of chassis rust also becomes a serious concern, compromising the vehicle's structural integrity. Furthermore, critical safety components like airbag sensors and seatbelt pre-tensioners can fail after extended periods.

The grim truth, as Dr. Law highlights, is that the cost to restore an old vehicle to truly safe operational standards frequently exceeds its market value. Consider this: a 20-year-old car might only fetch between RM2,000 to RM5,000 on the market, with scrap value sometimes dropping to a mere few hundred ringgit. In contrast, the most affordable new national model, like the Perodua Axia E 1.0 Manual, currently starts around RM22,000. This economic disparity often leads owners to neglect essential maintenance, further exacerbating safety and environmental risks.


A Glimmer of Hope: The RM4,000 Incentive in Budget 2026

Recognizing the multifaceted challenges posed by the aging vehicle fleet, the Malaysian government has proposed a significant step forward: an RM4,000 incentive under Budget 2026. This incentive is aimed at encouraging owners of older vehicles to trade them in for new national cars. Dr. Law describes this as a "timely measure," and indeed it is. It directly addresses the economic barrier faced by many owners, making the transition to a safer, more modern vehicle a tangible possibility.

This incentive is not just a financial handout; it's a strategic investment in the nation's future. It aligns with broader goals of enhancing road safety, reducing environmental pollution, and stimulating the domestic automotive industry. By providing a clear financial benefit, the government hopes to accelerate the replacement cycle, bringing modern safety features and cleaner engines onto the roads. This move could be the catalyst needed to begin a significant transformation of Malaysia's vehicle landscape.


Beyond the Incentive: Signalling a Modern Fleet Future

Wan Agyl Wan Hassan views the RM4,000 disposal incentive as much more than just financial aid; he sees it as a long-term policy signal towards modernizing the national vehicle armada. "This incentive shows that we are finally serious about fleet modernization, road safety, and pollution control," he states. His perspective underscores the idea that this is the beginning of a concerted effort to address a systemic issue that has been building for years.

The ripple effects of such a policy are extensive. Beyond the immediate benefits of improved safety and reduced emissions, a modernized fleet can invigorate the local automotive supply chain, fostering growth and innovation. This, in turn, can create new employment opportunities across various sectors, from manufacturing to maintenance and sales. By committing to this direction, Malaysia is positioning itself for a future where its roads are not only safer and cleaner but also support a thriving domestic industry. This step helps us discover why over 4.4 million vehicles aged 20+ years are still on roads and learn about the implications of these older cars on road safety and infrastructure.


Paving the Way Forward: Calls for Broader Support

While the RM4,000 incentive is a commendable first step, both Dr. Law and Wan Agyl agree that additional measures are crucial to make the vehicle modernization process more accessible and sustainable for all. Their recommendations include a multi-pronged approach:

  • Tax Incentives or Financial Aid for Used Modern and Safe Cars: Not everyone can afford a brand-new vehicle. Providing incentives for purchasing newer, safer used cars would broaden the impact of the modernization efforts.
  • Down Payment Rebates for Compact or Energy-Efficient Vehicles (EEV): Encouraging the uptake of more affordable, fuel-efficient models through rebates would further lower the barrier to entry for many consumers.
  • Emission-Based Road Tax Structure: Implementing a road tax system that penalizes high-emission vehicles and rewards eco-friendly ones would provide a continuous incentive for owners to choose greener options. This market-driven approach ensures that environmental considerations are integrated into long-term vehicle ownership decisions.

These proposals collectively aim to ensure that "safety and sustainability go hand in hand with economic advantages—not just goals on paper," as Wan Agyl aptly puts it. Such comprehensive policies are essential to create a truly inclusive and effective transition towards a modern vehicle fleet.


Towards a Safer, Greener Road Ahead

The presence of over 4.4 million vehicles aged 20+ years still on roads in Malaysia presents a clear and present danger, impacting everything from individual safety to national environmental health and economic stability. Experts universally agree that without comprehensive replacement strategies and robust supporting policies, these risks will only continue to escalate.

The RM4,000 disposal incentive outlined in Budget 2026 represents a pivotal starting point, a clear signal from the government that it is serious about addressing this challenge. However, as we've explored, it is merely the first gear in a larger mechanism. Continued governmental support through additional incentives, tax reforms, and a long-term vision are imperative for a holistic transformation of Malaysia's automotive industry.

By working together—policymakers, industry stakeholders, and vehicle owners—we can ensure that Malaysia's roads become safer, more modern, and more sustainable for everyone. What are your thoughts on Malaysia's aging vehicle fleet? Have you considered upgrading your older car? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below, or explore our other articles on vehicle maintenance and new car reviews to empower your journey towards a safer ride!


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


What are the main risks of driving an old car?

The main risks include a lack of modern safety features (airbags, ESC, reinforced cabin), mechanical failures due to wear and tear (brakes, suspension), increased risk of serious injury or fatality in accidents, and higher emissions contributing to air pollution. The structural integrity of a 20-year-old vehicle is often compromised, making it less safe.


What is the RM4,000 incentive, and who is it for?

The RM4,000 incentive, proposed under Malaysia's Budget 2026, is a financial grant aimed at encouraging owners of vehicles aged 20 years or older to trade in their old cars for new national car models. Its purpose is to accelerate the modernization of the national fleet, enhance road safety, and reduce environmental pollution.


How do older vehicles contribute to environmental pollution?

Older vehicles typically have less efficient engines and lack modern emission control technologies like catalytic converters found in newer cars. This results in higher emissions of harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides, significantly contributing to urban air pollution and poorer air quality.


Are there other government initiatives planned to encourage vehicle upgrades?

While the RM4,000 incentive is a key step, experts like Dr. Law Teik Hua and Wan Agyl Wan Hassan recommend additional measures. These include tax incentives for purchasing modern used cars, down payment rebates for compact or energy-efficient vehicles (EEVs), and the implementation of an emission-based road tax structure to continuously encourage greener vehicle choices.


What modern safety features are typically missing in 20-year-old vehicles?

Vehicles from two decades ago often lack fundamental modern safety features such as multiple airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), reinforced cabin structures, ISOFIX child seat anchor points, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like autonomous emergency braking or lane-keeping assist, which are standard in most new cars today.

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