PUTRAJAYA: Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai today launched the region’s first standardisation test for vehicle tint film.
He said the mechanism is the first of its kind in Asean which is designed to resolve the issue of discrepancies in identifying tint films that do not comply with regulations.
"We have found that many tint films fail to meet standards, and there is concern with inferior as well as fake tint films in the market.
"In this respect, we must have ways to track them," he said.
The new mechanism determines standard tests of tint films, quality and class differentiation, requirements and qualifications, as well as the system that stores all relevant information that can be used by all parties.
The mechanism ensures that tint film installation complies with the Malaysia Standard (MS) 2669: 2017.
Using a Quick Response Code (QR Code) security label fixed to the windshield, authorities could scan to detect if the light transmission levels of the film comply with requirements.
The Road Transport Department has set the allowed percentage rate for tint vehicles at 70 per cent for rear windscreens and rear passenger windows, 50 per cent for the driver and front passenger windows, and 30 per cent for the front windshield.
The QR code will also have other information, including the brand of the product, the vehicle's make, the vehicle’s chassis number and the time of installation of the product.
Liow said that starting Jan 1, 2018, all tint film on new vehicles should comply with the MS 2669 standard.
On existing vehicles with tint films lacking the QR code label, Liow said motorists could check their tinted windows and windscreens at the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspakom) or at shops selling tint films that are registered members of the Auto Audio, Accessories and Air-Condition Traders Association (AAA).
Only AAA-registered outlets can issue the QR code label and the issuance of the security labels for new cars is expected to begin next year, upon the request of vehicle owners, for free, when they have their windshields and windows tinted.