The Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) Process for Van to Campervan Conversions in Malaysia: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction: What is Vehicle Type Approval (VTA)?

If you’re planning to convert your commercial van, panel van, or window van into a campervan, motorhome, or caravan in Malaysia, you will need to go through the Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) process. The VTA is a regulatory requirement by the Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) that ensures all vehicle modifications, including conversions, meet safety and engineering standards. This process is essential for registering your newly modified campervan legally, ensuring it is roadworthy, and avoiding any legal complications in the future.

Whether you’re transforming a commercial van into a luxurious motorhome or a simple campervan, the VTA process will be your first official step. Below is a detailed guide on how to navigate the process successfully.

Step-by-Step Process to Convert Your Van to a Campervan or Motorhome

Step 1: Visit JPJ and Obtain List of Verified Consultants

• Your journey begins at a JPJ branch, such as JPJ Putrajaya, where you must visit the Automotive Engineering Division (Bahagian Kejuruteraan Automotif).
• JPJ will provide you with a list of verified panel consultants and engineers who are qualified to assist you with the necessary technical drawings and modifications.
• These panel engineers will help design and approve your conversion plan, ensuring that it meets JPJ’s safety standards.

Step 2: Prepare a Draft Floor Plan

• Before consulting with the engineer, you should prepare a draft floor plan of the van’s layout. This plan does not need to include dimensions but should highlight the major components:
  • Bed, cabinets, and ventilation.
  • Optional features: kitchen, bathroom, sink, and stove.
• The engineer will refine this draft and create a formal submission for JPJ approval.

Step 3: Engineer Submits Drawing Plan for Approval

• Once the draft floor plan is ready, the engineer will prepare and submit the detailed plan to JPJ.
• The approval process typically takes about 3 to 4 weeks.

Step 4: Begin the Conversion Process

• While waiting for the drawing plan to be approved, you can begin converting your van to a campervan. This allows you to optimize your time as the approval is processed.

Step 5: Drawing Plan Approval

• After the 3-4 week approval period, JPJ will notify you once your drawing plan is approved.

Step 6: Apply for and Obtain Surat KA

• The Surat KA (Surat Kejuruteraan Automotif) is valid for 3 months from the issuance date. It’s important not to apply for it too early to avoid it expiring before your van conversion is complete.
• To ensure the surat KA is valid during the critical inspection phase, you should inform the engineer 3 weeks before the van conversion is complete. This allows the surat KA to be applied for and issued within the validity period, avoiding any extra costs or delays due to reapplication.

Step 7: PUSPAKOM Inspection

• Once the van is fully converted, take the approved drawing plan, surat KA, vehicle registration card, and a photocopy of the vehicle owner’s NRIC to PUSPAKOM for inspection. You may engage a runner to assist with the inspection process.
• The PUSPAKOM inspection ensures that all modifications, such as new seating arrangements and kitchen installations, meet Malaysian safety regulations.

Step 8: Issuance of Surat PE and Surat Workshop

• Upon successful inspection, PUSPAKOM will issue:
  • Surat PE (Pemeriksaan): Verification that the vehicle has passed the inspection.
  • Surat Workshop: A certificate confirming the workshop’s involvement in the conversion process.

Step 9: VTA Application Approval

• With the surat KA, surat PE, and surat workshop, the VTA application is now complete.
• JPJ will issue the VTA certificate, making your campervan conversion legal and roadworthy.

Additional Considerations: Transferring Ownership

• If your van is owned by a company and you wish to transfer it to personal ownership, you can do this during the conversion process. This requires:
  • B2 Inspection: For engine changes (if applicable).
  • B5 Inspection: For ownership transfer.

Why is VTA Important?

VTA is critical for anyone converting a vehicle to ensure that all modifications meet Malaysian safety and roadworthiness standards. Whether you’re converting your van into a motorhome or a simple campervan, following the VTA process ensures your vehicle is legally recognized and safe for the road.

This process not only protects you from legal issues but also gives peace of mind that your campervan meets the required technical standards. Avoiding the VTA could result in complications with insurance claims and potential fines from authorities.

Official JPJ Timeline for VTA Application

The VTA process typically takes about 20 working days from start to finish. Below is the official flowchart extracted from the Garis Panduan VTA (Pindaan) 2017 document by JPJ:

Cost Estimate

The overall cost for converting your van and going through the VTA process is typically around RM2,000 to RM3,000. This includes fees for engineering drawings, JPJ applications, and inspections.

This guide covers the essential steps to help anyone interested in converting a van into a motorhome or campervan in Malaysia. Whether you’re converting a commercial van, panel van, or window van, following this process ensures your vehicle complies with legal requirements and is safe for the road.