Transport Minister Anthony Loke has revealed that owners of some of the world’s most exclusive car brands are sitting on road tax arrears amounting to nearly RM35.7 million.
According to figures from the Road Transport Department (JPJ), Porsche owners top the list with 4,308 vehicles racking up a combined RM13.7 million in unpaid road tax. Rolls-Royce follows with 345 cars owing RM6.4 million, while Bentley owners account for RM7 million from 660 vehicles. Ferrari owners are behind on RM4.7 million for 675 cars, and Lamborghini adds another RM3.7 million with 372 vehicles.
According to Bernama, Loke pointed out that many of these vehicles belong to high-profile individuals, including titled figures, politicians and prominent businessmen, yet the basic responsibility of renewing the Motor Vehicle Licence (LKM) is being ignored.
He stressed that while the government has extended targeted petrol subsidies under the BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) programme—even covering up to 300 litres per month for the wealthy—the obligation to renew road tax still applies to everyone.
Some luxury car owners, he explained, deliberately avoid paying, opting instead to risk their vehicles being seized. The reason is simple: the penalty is just RM300, far cheaper than annual road tax bills that can run between RM15,000 and RM30,000 depending on the car’s specifications. In one instance, a celebrity was caught driving with nearly three years of unpaid road tax, dismissing it as something they had “forgotten” to renew.
In response, JPJ has been cracking down with Op Luxury, an ongoing enforcement campaign that has already seen 421 luxury cars seized in recent months. Loke made it clear that the exercise is not about embarrassing owners but about sending a strong reminder that road tax and insurance renewals are a legal requirement, regardless of wealth or status.
If the trend continues, Loke warned that the authorities will not hesitate to take tougher measures against defaulters.
