Bumi firm willing to help JPJ to help tackle issue of non-conforming number plates

Its general manager, Shahrul Effendy Bidin, said the company, which was set up in 1993, used the European technology in the manufacturing of AENP.

It received ISO 9001:2001 and OSHAS 18001:1999 recognition and was tested by SIRIM Bhd, he said.

"A number plate is like an identity card for a vehicle.

"We know it needs standardisation like safety features and identification details as we have been in the industry for 20 years," he told Bernama.

He said the company obtained JPJ's approval in May 1996 where an online network system was developed to evade duplication and control of each vehicle's plate number production throughout Malaysia.

The company uses retro-reflective substance which can be print hologram images using aluminium plate as its main material that incorporates special design film in the hot stamping system.

Besides the car registration number embossed on the plate, each of the plate would include information such as the owner's name and identity card, address, vehicle model, chassis and engine number, order date and its distributor.

"The company then has 14 branches equipped with embossing machines where we were contracted by EON Bhd to supply the said plate numbers according to the international standards.

"However, the contract was discontinued in March 2004," he said.

Although the company had to close down its branches and distribution network nationwide, Shahrul Affendy was optimistic that with a track record of RM5million to RM6million in turnover yearly, it has the capabilities to deliver the meet the needs of JPJ.

"The company hopes to be given a chance to re-develop its factory in line with the government's policy on Bumiputera Trade and Industry Community," he said.

According to a news report, the government, through JPJ, has been advised to move on from its archaic system of regulations pertaining to non-conforming number plates for vehicles.