Originally Posted by
nldogbert
Hi
Came across this topic. Just wanted to update, recently I was in Malaysia and usually, I've never had any issues with my driving license issued from the Netherlands. However, this time when I rented from Avis, I was asked for an International Driving Permit - there was also a siganage at the desk that this was from Feb 2025 onwards.
The only exception was for driving licenses from ASEAN and the Commonwealth countries. I was taken by surprise of this "new" rule - as I also understood previously if the license is not in Latin, and IDP is compulsory but if it's in Latin and includes English, it's only recommended.
After some discussion - I was allowed to pick up my car, BUT i was informed I will have zero insurance, incuding any basic one. I just accepted it as it was a quick 2 day rental.
Enquiring further I was informed this was a requirement from the authorities - which is fine, but why such bias exceptions - as I can't imagine someone having a license from "questionable" Commonwealth country allowed easily and one from the European Union not.
!
Looks like there were changes to the road transport law early this year (not IDP was not an issue in January).
DL in English is the requirement in the RTA (1987) which NL and most countries in the E.U. - except perhaps for Ireland, Malta and Cyprus - are not in compliance with. his language doesn't appear in the updated version which simply says
28. A driving licence issued under the corresponding provisions of any law in force in any country which is a party to a treaty to which Malaysia is also a party and which purports to recognize domestic driving licences issued by the contracting countries shall, so long as such licence remains in force in that country, be deemed to be a driving licence granted under this Part.
Presumably, Commonwealth and ASEAN countries have DL reciprocity treaties.
At any rate, the "Global South" is getting more assertive in being treated equally.