Just bought a new car and wondering what number to purchase? Here are some tips to a set of numbers for your new car before you head out to JPJ to purchase it.
Unlike the UK, USA and many other countries that allow personalized car number plates (also known as vanity plates), Malaysia restricts the car number plates to follow a predefined format such as Sxx #### and Sxx #### x (where S=state, x=alphabet, #=numeric).
Since the alphabetical prefix (Sxx) is fixed by the running sequence, the only option for customizing is the numerical portion (####) of the car number plate. So, if the current car number plate running sequence is W #### M and you would like to have W 80 Y, then you will have to wait until JPJ opens the tender or the running sequence reaches W #### Y for purchase.
Unlike the UK, USA and many other countries that allow personalized car number plates (also known as vanity plates), Malaysia restricts the car number plates to follow a predefined format such as Sxx #### and Sxx #### x (where S=state, x=alphabet, #=numeric).
Since the alphabetical prefix (Sxx) is fixed by the running sequence, the only option for customizing is the numerical portion (####) of the car number plate. So, if the current car number plate running sequence is W #### M and you would like to have W 80 Y, then you will have to wait until JPJ opens the tender or the running sequence reaches W #### Y for purchase.
Allowed numbers can be a single digit (W1M, W3M), two digits (W11M, W88M), three digits (W222M, W555M) and four digits (W1111M, W9999M). Some numbers are very popular and therefore more expensive. Some numbers are reserved for royalty. As a start, check out JPJ's guidelines on tendering for car number plates. It will give you an idea of what numbers are highly demanded and need a strong tender bid to get it.
Here we will focus on coming up with a list of numbers for purchasing at the JPJ counter for the running sequence. There are several methods (or combination of methods) that you can use to come up with a choice of numbers. Let us begin: |
1. Length
Many people have very short memories. A car number plate that goes on and on will not be as attractive or memorable as compared to a single digit, easy to remember number plate. The length consideration seems to work for two digits and three digits as well when compared to four digits.
For example:
W2M vs. W2537M
or
W21M vs. W2135M
So you may want to try '213' instead of '2135'. Write it down and see how it looks. As you choose your numbers, write it down. A good number may not look good when paired with the alphabets.
For example:
W2M vs. W2537M
or
W21M vs. W2135M
So you may want to try '213' instead of '2135'. Write it down and see how it looks. As you choose your numbers, write it down. A good number may not look good when paired with the alphabets.
Other than being memorable, here's another reason for getting short length number plates:
There are only 9 numbers for single digit car number plates. There are 90 numbers from 10 to 99 for a double digit car number plate. There are 900 numbers from 100 to 999 for three digits. Shorter length car number plates are more rare and therefore more exclusive. |
The JPJ's guidelines on tendering also indicates that short length numbers are more valuable. Many of these single digit car number plates are reserved for royalty but not all.
However, there is another consideration before you fill up wish list with only short length car number plates. 4-D lottery is also very popular in Malaysia and Singapore. It is so popular that some people talk about it all the time. There is even a book on 4-D predictions for the year 2014. Therefore, four digits car number plates is a must for these 4-D punters. Perhaps you know an uncle or an aunty who will bet on your new car number. Or maybe you can ask them for their lucky numbers. |
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2. Duplicates
Among the most prized numbers after the single digit numbers are the duplicate numbers.
Duplicates are the double, triple and quad numbers such as:
W11M
W88M
W222M
W999M
W3333M
W1111M
There are mixed duplicates, for example:
W6688M
W2288M
There are also sequential duplicates, for example:
W6868M
W2828M
Double, triple and quad numbers are of course in the tender list and hotly contested. But you can try coming up with some sequential duplicate numbers or even mixed duplicates if you intend to purchase from the counter.
Duplicates are the double, triple and quad numbers such as:
W11M
W88M
W222M
W999M
W3333M
W1111M
There are mixed duplicates, for example:
W6688M
W2288M
There are also sequential duplicates, for example:
W6868M
W2828M
Double, triple and quad numbers are of course in the tender list and hotly contested. But you can try coming up with some sequential duplicate numbers or even mixed duplicates if you intend to purchase from the counter.
3. Mirror
Mirror is the effect of getting the image reflected to the other side down the middle line. Symmetry is perceived to be more attractive and you can try to apply this effect to car number plates as well.
Being symmetrical also means that there must be at least a double duplicate in the number.
Here are some examples:
W181M
W313M
W2112M
W6886M
When the numbers are in symmetry and the alphabets are also in symmetry, you will get full symmetry. It will not be surprising if WxxxxW is going to be very popular compared to other series. Example: W1881W
Being symmetrical also means that there must be at least a double duplicate in the number.
Here are some examples:
W181M
W313M
W2112M
W6886M
When the numbers are in symmetry and the alphabets are also in symmetry, you will get full symmetry. It will not be surprising if WxxxxW is going to be very popular compared to other series. Example: W1881W
4. Readability
Some numbers and alphabets will make a word when put together. This is because some numbers look like certain alphabets.
Very close resemblance:
The number 5 looks like alphabet "S", number 1 looks like alphabet "i" and number 0 looks like alphabet "O".
Here are very obvious and most recent examples: W15E and W15H.
Close resemblance:
Number 4 ~ Alphabet A
Number 8 ~ Alphabet B
Number 7 ~ Alphabet T
Numbers 6 ~ Alphabet G
Numbers 9 ~ Alphabet g
Some examples of older number plates that have used this well: AF1 (Air Force One) and DR 6161 (Doktor GiGi).
Acronyms can be a source of inspiration as well. You can use the acronym finder to find some really cool number plates. Also, readability depends on language. Since the Malay language is read with Roman alphabets, the readability factor applies as well (like Doktor GiGi above). Although other languages like Cantonese and Mandarin do not use the Roman alphabets but when the the numbers are pronounced, it may mean something else in that language.
Very close resemblance:
The number 5 looks like alphabet "S", number 1 looks like alphabet "i" and number 0 looks like alphabet "O".
Here are very obvious and most recent examples: W15E and W15H.
Close resemblance:
Number 4 ~ Alphabet A
Number 8 ~ Alphabet B
Number 7 ~ Alphabet T
Numbers 6 ~ Alphabet G
Numbers 9 ~ Alphabet g
Some examples of older number plates that have used this well: AF1 (Air Force One) and DR 6161 (Doktor GiGi).
Acronyms can be a source of inspiration as well. You can use the acronym finder to find some really cool number plates. Also, readability depends on language. Since the Malay language is read with Roman alphabets, the readability factor applies as well (like Doktor GiGi above). Although other languages like Cantonese and Mandarin do not use the Roman alphabets but when the the numbers are pronounced, it may mean something else in that language.
5. Cultural
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Continuing from readability above, some words or phrases may be considered unlucky or in bad taste or even vulgar.
Number 4 (pronounced "sei" in Cantonese meaning 'die/death') is avoided regardless of whether it number plate, house number, phone number and even the number of the building floor. Number 8 (pronounced "fatt" in Cantonese meaning 'prosperous') is considered a lucky charm for many Chinese. Here's more on Numbers in Chinese culture. Numerology can be found in many cultures including Indian, Arabic, Egyptian and Norse. Therefore, before you sell a car to someone, check the meaning of the number plate in the buyer's language. It might be an incentive for the buyer to purchase the car or it can be a signal to find another buyer. |
6. Feng Shui
Heard about this Feng Shui technique that was shared on the radio one day. But I can't remember when and who was the Feng Shui master who said it so I am unable to give any reference or credit.
The technique is to take the first and last digit and add them up. The total should be between 8 and 10 to be a good lucky number. If the total is 4 and less, then it is considered an unlucky number. A variation of this is to total up all the digits, repeat if the total is more than 10 until the last total is 10 or less. Then, check if the final number is between 8 and 10. Here is an interesting discussion on the number 9. "Any number that is in the multiplication of 9, if added up would end up 9 again". For example... 9 X 9 = 81 and 8 + 1 = 9 ! 9 X 19 = 171 and 1 + 7 + 1 = 9 ! 9 X 75 = 675 and 6 + 7 + 5 = 18 and 1 + 8 = 9 ! 9 X 292 = 2628 and 2 + 6 + 2 + 8 = 18 and 1 + 8 = 9 ! And it goes on to describe the shape of the numbers. |
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7. Individual
Individual because only you will relate to the meaning of the number. A stranger will not be able to make any meaning of the car number plate.
A popular method is to use dates (day, month, year) to form the numbers. Birthdays and anniversaries are good options. Some choose to purchase their existing phone numbers or house numbers or even IC number. In the end, what matters most is that you like the number that you put on your new car. It is personalized for you and it represents your identity. |
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Lastly, go get your very own car number plate!
Using one of the above methods or a combination of them, you should be able to come up with a long list of numbers to buy.
Remember to write it down and see how it looks. Ask family and friends for their opinion. Then rank them with your most preferred number at the top.
Finally, go to JPJ and buy that number. Check out my guide on how to buy a new car number plate from JPJ Wilayah Persekutuan. Read through it even if you are buying from another state's JPJ.
Good luck!
Remember to write it down and see how it looks. Ask family and friends for their opinion. Then rank them with your most preferred number at the top.
Finally, go to JPJ and buy that number. Check out my guide on how to buy a new car number plate from JPJ Wilayah Persekutuan. Read through it even if you are buying from another state's JPJ.
Good luck!