July is here, and with it comes a handful of updates that Malaysians may want to keep on their radar.
Some are small but useful, like free interbank ATM withdrawals. Others may affect bigger decisions, such as renewing your passport, buying an electric vehicle, applying for student book vouchers or making EPF contributions.
Instead of letting these updates get lost in the usual news cycle, we’ve rounded them up in one place.
Here are the July 2026 changes worth knowing.
Malaysia Now Has A 10-Year Passport Option
For Malaysians who travel often, this is probably one of the biggest updates this month.
Malaysia has officially introduced a new 10-year passport validity option for Malaysians aged 18 and above. The new 10-year passport costs RM350, while the existing five-year passport remains at RM200.
New passports issued from July onwards also come with enhanced security features, including 94 security features to help protect against forgery, alteration and misuse.
That said, there is no need to rush to the immigration office if your passport is still valid. The Immigration Department has advised Malaysians to apply only when needed, as applications for the updated passport will be rolled out at selected counters in phases from 3 July to 13 July.
Imported EVs May Soon Come With A Higher Price Tag
If you have been eyeing a fully imported electric vehicle, this is one update to take note of.
Malaysia is tightening the rules for fully imported CBU electric vehicles. From 1 July, imported EVs must have a minimum CIF value of RM200,000 and produce at least 180kW of power.
According to MITI, this could mean showroom prices for CBU EVs may likely start from around RM300,000 after the ruling takes effect.
However, this does not apply immediately to every unit on the market. EVs that were already in Malaysia, at local ports or in transit before 1 July can still be sold under the previous framework until existing stock runs out.
In simple terms, some imported EVs may become less accessible unless they were already here before the new rule came into effect. The wider goal is to encourage more global EV brands to assemble locally in Malaysia.
BUDI Diesel Will Be Linked With BUDI95
Fuel subsidies are also seeing another update this month.
Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the subsidised diesel price for Malaysians will be reduced to RM2.10 per litre, effective July 2026.
At the same time, the BUDI Diesel programme will be integrated with the BUDI MADANI RON95 initiative, also known as BUDI95.
For everyday Malaysians, the main thing to know is that subsidy verification will be done using MyKad. This is part of the government’s wider move towards more targeted fuel subsidies.
MADANI Book Voucher Redemption Is Now Open
Parents and students, this one is worth checking.
The 2026 MADANI Book Voucher Programme is now open for redemption from 1 July until 31 October 2026.
More than 2.2 million students are expected to benefit, including those from transition classes, Forms One to Six, vocational colleges, matriculation colleges and the Institute of Teacher Education Malaysia.
According to Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh, the e-vouchers can be redeemed from 11am through the BookCapital platform.
DBKL Business Licences Can Now Be Renewed For Up To Three Years
For business owners in Kuala Lumpur, licence renewals may now become a little less tedious.
DBKL has introduced a new initiative allowing approved business licences to be renewed for up to two or three years, instead of the usual one-year validity.
However, there are conditions. Licence holders must not have any outstanding fines or rental arrears with DBKL.
The move is part of DBKL’s effort to create a more efficient and business-friendly system for the city.
Free Interbank ATM Withdrawals Are Now Available Nationwide
Here is one update that many Malaysians will probably appreciate immediately.
Starting 1 July, debit cardholders in Malaysia can withdraw money from any bank’s ATM or Smart Recycler Machine without paying the usual RM1 interbank withdrawal fee.
The initiative covers more than 14,000 ATMs and SRMs nationwide, with unlimited withdrawals allowed.
It may sound like a small saving, but for people who regularly use ATMs outside their own bank’s network, it can add up. It is also especially helpful for those in smaller towns or rural areas, where access to a specific bank’s ATM may be limited.
Malaysians Can Claim RM200 For Selected Fridges And Air Conditioners
Thinking of replacing an old fridge or air conditioner? This may be a good time to check your eligibility.
The NUR@PETRA 2026 programme is now open, offering eligible Malaysians an instant RM200 rebate when buying selected four- to five-star refrigerators or air conditioners certified by the Energy Commission.
The rebate is available to eligible domestic electricity account holders through participating physical retailers, as well as Shopee and Lazada.
A total of 160,000 rebate units have been allocated. Claims are available on a first-come, first-served basis until 31 December 2026 or until the allocation runs out.
Singapore-Registered Vehicles Must Now Have A Valid VEP
For those who drive between Singapore and Malaysia, VEP enforcement has now entered a stricter phase.
Singapore-registered vehicles entering Malaysia without a valid VEP RFID tag linked to a Touch ’n Go eWallet may face an immediate RM300 compound.
Drivers will also need to settle any outstanding fine digitally before they are allowed to leave Malaysia.
In other words, if you or someone you know regularly drives into Malaysia from Singapore, it is worth checking that the VEP is properly sorted before the next trip.
EPF Contributions Must Now Be Paid Digitally
EPF has stopped accepting contribution payments at physical counters nationwide.
Employers and contributors must now make monthly contributions digitally through EPF i-Akaun, internet banking or authorised Self-Service Terminals.
EPF service counters will still remain open for withdrawals and customer assistance, so this change mainly affects contribution payments.
For employers, it is a practical reminder to update monthly payment routines and move fully to digital channels.
Disclaimer: This article is for public interest purposes only. Information is based on publicly available reports at the time of publication.
