Road Tax in East Malaysia: Sabah and Sarawak Rates

Road tax in Sabah and Sarawak is generally cheaper than in Peninsular Malaysia for many private vehicles. For example, a private saloon car with a 1,500cc engine pays RM72 a year in Sabah and Sarawak, compared with RM90 in Peninsular Malaysia. The exact amount depends on the vehicle’s engine capacity, type and registration details.

If you live in Sabah or Sarawak, understanding the applicable road tax rates can help you estimate your yearly vehicle costs before renewing your road tax. Here is a guide to the rates, common car models and factors that affect how much you pay.

Is Road Tax Cheaper in Sabah and Sarawak?

Yes. Sabah and Sarawak use a different road tax rate structure from Peninsular Malaysia. For many privately owned petrol and diesel vehicles, the rates are lower in East Malaysia.

However, the difference depends on the vehicle. You should check the rate for your specific engine capacity and vehicle type rather than assume every vehicle has the same discount.

For the official rate calculation guidelines, refer to the JPJ Motor Vehicle Licence (LKM) rate guide.

Road Tax Rates in Sabah and Sarawak

For private saloon cars, the following annual rates apply to common engine-capacity bands:

Engine capacity	Sabah and Sarawak	Peninsular Malaysia
1,000cc and below	RM20	RM20
1,001cc–1,200cc	RM44	RM55
1,201cc–1,400cc	RM56	RM70
1,401cc–1,600cc	RM72	RM90

Note: These rates are for privately owned saloon cars. SUVs, MPVs, pick-up trucks, company-registered vehicles and other vehicle categories may use different rate calculations.

For cars with engines above 1,600cc, the calculation becomes more complex. The amount depends on the applicable base rate and additional charges for engine capacity above the relevant threshold.

You can also refer to BJAK’s guide to road tax prices by engine capacity for more details.

Road Tax Prices for Popular Car Models in Sabah and Sarawak

Your car’s engine capacity is one of the main factors that determines the road tax amount. Here are some examples for popular models.

Car model	Typical engine capacity	Estimated annual road tax in Sabah and Sarawak
Perodua Axia	998cc	RM20
Perodua Bezza	1,197cc	RM44
Perodua Myvi	1,297cc–1,496cc	RM56–RM72
Perodua Alza	1,496cc	RM72
Proton Saga	1,332cc	RM56
Proton X50	1,477cc	RM72
Honda City 1.5	1,498cc	RM72
Toyota Vios 1.5	1,496cc	RM72

These figures are annual road tax estimates for private vehicles. Actual charges depend on the exact engine capacity and vehicle classification. Check your vehicle details before making payment.

For more models, see BJAK’s 2026 car road tax price list.

What Determines Road Tax Rates in Sabah and Sarawak?

Your road tax amount is not determined by your location alone. Several factors can affect the final rate.

1. Engine capacity (cc)

For petrol and diesel cars, engine capacity is an important factor. In general, cars with larger engines have higher road tax rates.

For example, a private saloon car with a 1,500cc engine has an annual road tax rate of RM72 in Sabah and Sarawak. A car with a larger engine may fall into a different rate band and cost more.

2. Vehicle type

Different vehicle types may have different rates, even when their engine capacities are similar.

• Saloon cars: Sedans, hatchbacks and other vehicles classified under the saloon category.
• Non-saloon vehicles: Certain SUVs, MPVs and pick-up trucks.
• Company vehicles: Vehicles registered under a company may be subject to different rates or requirements.

Make sure you use the correct vehicle classification when checking your road tax.

3. Registration and vehicle details

The applicable rate depends on the vehicle’s registered details and the relevant JPJ classification. If you move from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah or Sarawak, do not assume that your road tax rate will change automatically.

Check with JPJ about the requirements for updating your vehicle’s details and the applicable rate.

4. Electric vehicles (EVs)

Electric vehicles use a different road tax calculation based on motor output in kilowatts (kW), rather than petrol or diesel engine capacity in cc.

EV road tax rates also depend on the applicable schedule and vehicle details. If you own an EV, use the relevant JPJ EV road tax rate guide or a suitable calculator to check the amount.

How to Check Your Road Tax Price in Sabah and Sarawak

Not sure how much you need to pay? Follow these steps to check your estimated road tax before renewing.

1. Check your vehicle details. Find your car’s engine capacity, vehicle type and registration information.
2. Choose the correct region. Make sure the calculation uses the Sabah and Sarawak rate schedule rather than the Peninsular Malaysia rates.
3. Check the applicable rate. Use the official JPJ rate calculation guide or BJAK’s road tax renewal page.
4. Confirm the amount before paying. Check the final fee and any applicable charges shown during renewal.

If you are comparing several car models before buying one, checking road tax beforehand can help you estimate your yearly ownership costs.

How to Renew Road Tax in Sabah and Sarawak

Once you know the amount, you can arrange your road tax renewal through an available renewal channel.

Before renewing, make sure:

• Your motor insurance is valid for the required period.
• Your vehicle details are correct.
• Your vehicle meets the relevant renewal requirements.
• There are no outstanding issues that prevent renewal.

You can check the available options through BJAK’s road tax renewal page. The available renewal process may depend on your vehicle and eligibility.

Remember that road tax and car insurance are separate requirements. You need valid motor insurance before JPJ can issue your road tax.

Check Your Road Tax Before Renewal

Road tax rates in Sabah and Sarawak are generally lower than in Peninsular Malaysia for many private vehicles. However, the amount you pay still depends on your engine capacity, vehicle type and registered details.

Before renewing, check the applicable rate using the official JPJ guide and confirm your final amount through an available renewal channel. This helps you avoid using the wrong rate when budgeting for your yearly car expenses.