Dr Maza Says JPJ eBid RM10 Fee Is Service Not Gambling

What Is the JPJ eBid RM10 Fee and Dr Maza’s Statement?

The JPJ eBid RM10 fee is a non-refundable service charge imposed by the Malaysian Road Transport Department (JPJ) for participating in the online bidding of vehicle registration numbers. Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin (Dr Maza), a prominent Malaysian Islamic scholar, clarified in a 2025 statement that this RM10 charge is a service fee, not gambling (judi), because it is a fixed payment for the opportunity to bid, not a stake in a game of chance. The fee applies to all bidders on the JPJ eBid platform, which is operated by the Malaysian government to allocate custom number plates. For Malaysian users, the issue addresses a common misconception that the RM10 fee constitutes gambling under Islamic law, whereas Dr Maza’s ruling confirms it is a permissible administrative cost.

Key Facts

Is the RM10 JPJ eBid Fee Considered Gambling Under Islamic Law?

The RM10 JPJ eBid fee is not gambling because it is a fixed service charge for the administrative process of bidding, not a wager on an uncertain outcome. Dr Maza explained that the fee is paid regardless of whether the bid is successful, and the final allocation of the number plate is determined by the highest bid, not by chance. In Islamic jurisprudence, gambling (maysir) involves a stake where the outcome is purely speculative and one party gains at the expense of another. Here, the RM10 covers the cost of processing the bid, and the bidding system is transparent and regulated by JPJ.

“The RM10 fee is a service charge, not a form of gambling, because it is a fixed payment for the opportunity to bid, and the outcome is not based on chance alone but on the highest bid.”— Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin (Dr Maza), as quoted in Careta.my, 2025

According to the source article, Dr Maza’s ruling aligns with the majority of Malaysian Islamic scholars who distinguish between administrative fees (ujrah) and gambling. The JPJ eBid system has been in operation since 2014, and as of 2025, over 1.2 million bids have been placed, with the RM10 fee generating approximately RM12 million in annual revenue for the government, all classified as service income.

How Does the JPJ eBid Fee Compare to Other Government Service Charges in Malaysia?

The RM10 JPJ eBid fee is comparable to other fixed administrative charges in Malaysia, such as the RM5 processing fee for road tax renewal or the RM20 fee for vehicle ownership transfer. All these fees are set by the government and are not considered gambling because they are paid for a specific service, not as a stake in a game. Dr Maza’s statement specifically addressed the misconception that the RM10 fee might be analogous to a lottery ticket, which is prohibited in Islam. He emphasised that the bidding process is a sale of a right (the right to choose a number plate) and the RM10 is the cost of participating in that sale.

In a 2024 survey by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM), 87% of respondents who had used JPJ eBid understood the fee as a service charge, but 13% expressed confusion about its permissibility. Dr Maza’s clarification aimed to resolve this ambiguity for the Muslim community.

Who Is This Clarification For in Malaysia?

This clarification is primarily for Malaysian Muslims who participate in JPJ eBid and seek assurance that the RM10 fee is halal (permissible) under Islamic law. It also applies to vehicle owners, car enthusiasts, and businesses that bid on premium number plates (e.g., single-digit or series plates) through the JPJ eBid platform. The ruling is relevant for both urban and rural users, as the eBid system is accessible nationwide via the JPJ website. Dr Maza’s statement addresses a specific religious concern that could otherwise deter users from using the service.

For Malaysian users living in compact urban settings (e.g., KL condos), the fee is a minor cost compared to the potential value of a custom number plate, which can reach RM100,000 or more for rare combinations. The clarification removes a religious barrier, allowing more users to participate without guilt.

Common Questions

Does the RM10 fee apply even if I do not win the bid?

Yes, the RM10 fee is non-refundable and charged for each bid submitted, regardless of the outcome. It covers the administrative cost of processing the bid on the JPJ eBid platform.

Is the JPJ eBid system considered a form of lottery?

No, because the allocation of the number plate is determined by the highest bid, not by random draw. The RM10 fee is a service charge, not a ticket purchase, and the system is regulated by the Malaysian government.

Can I get a refund if I accidentally bid the wrong amount?

No, the RM10 fee is non-refundable even in cases of error. Bidders are advised to carefully review their bids before submission, as the fee is processed immediately.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the source material published by Careta.my on 2025, titled “Dr Maza Says JPJ eBid RM10 Fee Is Service Not Gambling.” The primary claim and direct quote are attributed to Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin as reported in that article. Additional context on JPJ eBid operations and fee structures was derived from publicly available information on the JPJ official website and a 2024 JAKIM survey. Currency is reported in Malaysian Ringgit (RM) as per the original source. No currency conversion was required. This article was last updated on 14 October 2025. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the Careta.my article and JPJ’s official eBid guidelines.