Introduction
If you’ve ever owned an imported car — from Japan, the UK, or Europe — you’ve probably noticed that renewing roadtax isn’t the same as for locally assembled cars. Many new drivers don’t realize why the costs and process can differ. It usually comes down to engine size, market value, and whether the car was imported fully assembled or locally built. Here’s a simple breakdown so you know what to expect.
1. Understanding CBU and CKD
Before we dive into roadtax renewal, let’s clarify the terms:
CBU (Completely Built-Up)
These are cars shipped fully assembled from overseas.
Examples: Toyota Alphard, BMW X5.
CKD (Completely Knocked-Down)
These are cars assembled in Malaysia using imported parts.
Examples: Perodua, Proton, Honda City.
The main takeaway? CBU cars tend to cost more for insurance and roadtax because of larger engines and higher market values.
2. Renewing Roadtax for Imported Cars (CBU)
For imported cars, the renewal steps are similar to local vehicles but with a few extra checks:
Steps:
- Check your car’s status with JPJ — make sure there are no restrictions, especially for reconditioned vehicles.
- Confirm your insurance is active — if it expired over 30 days ago, you may need special approval.
- Renew your insurance — platforms like BJAK, MyEG, or Pos Malaysia make this easy.
- Renew roadtax — once your insurance is active, you can do it online via MyJPJ, BJAK, or at a JPJ branch.
Tip: Some imported cars may trigger extra checks, like engine number mismatches or import documentation issues. This is common for reconditioned or overseas-imported vehicles.
3. Renewing Roadtax for Local Cars (CKD)
Renewing roadtax for CKD cars is usually straightforward since JPJ already has all your records.
Steps:
- Make sure your insurance is valid.
- Renew insurance through your preferred platform — BJAK helps you compare rates easily.
- Renew roadtax — either digitally via MyJPJ or physically at JPJ/Pos Malaysia.
As long as your vehicle info is correct, the process is quick with no extra approvals needed.
4. Comparing CBU and CKD Roadtax
| Aspect | CBU Cars | CKD Cars |
|---|---|---|
| Roadtax | Higher (engine size & import value) | Lower |
| Insurance | Usually more expensive | More affordable |
| Renewal process | Extra JPJ checks may be needed | Simple and fast |
| Spare parts | Sometimes limited | Widely available |
| Market value | Higher, depreciates faster | Stable over time |
5. Money-Saving Tips for Roadtax Renewal
- Compare insurance prices first — BJAK lets you check multiple insurers at once.
- Use your NCD (No Claim Discount) — it can lower premiums significantly.
- Go digital with e-roadtax — instantly active in MyJPJ, no delivery fees.
- Double-check JPJ records — mistakes in engine or IC numbers can slow things down.
Conclusion
Whether your car is imported (CBU) or local (CKD), renewing roadtax is simpler than ever. The main differences are the tax amount and minor extra checks for imported vehicles. For the fastest, easiest experience, handle insurance and roadtax online through BJAK or MyJPJ — save time, money, and avoid long queues.
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