How I Transported My Car from West Malaysia to Sarawak:A Complete First-Hand Guide to RoRo Shipping from Port Klang to Kuching (2023)

Life in Kuching

Thinking about moving your car from West Malaysia to East Malaysia—or the other way around? In this article, I’ll walk you through my firsthand experience transporting our Perodua Bezza from Port Klang (Selangor) to Port Kuching (Sarawak) using RoRo shipping (Roll-on Roll-off). This guide includes everything from the steps, documents, and costs to helpful tips and lessons learned from the process (as of 2023).

If you’re relocating from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching or Kota Kinabalu, and wondering:

  • How do I ship my car across Malaysia?
  • What documents do I need?
  • Can I leave personal belongings inside the car?

…then this guide is for you. I was once in your shoes—confused, overwhelmed, and short on information. I hope this post clears things up for you.

at Port Klang -North Port Storage

Shipping Route & Duration (Port Klang to Port Kuching)

We shipped our car using the RoRo method, which means the car is driven onto the vessel and secured as-is, without using a container. Travel time usually takes 3–5 days after departure, though delays may occur depending on the weather.

Item
Details
Departure PortPort Klang (Selangor)
Arrival PortPort Kuching (Sarawak)
Shipping MethodRoRo (Roll-on Roll-off)
Estimated Duration3–5 days after departure (weather-dependent)
Example VesselMalaysia Grace 25 (Departed Nov 24, 2023)

Step-by-Step Car Shipping Process

Step 1: Contact Shipping Agents & Request Quotes

Start by searching terms like “Malaysia RoRo shipping” to find reputable agents. Compare them based on:

  • Response time
  • Price transparency
  • Pickup options
  • Storage and customs services

I was referred by a local ECL representative to two agents:

  • Ventura Trans and Services Sdn Bhd
  • Teamwork RoRo

Both companies offer car pickup, customs clearance, and storage solutions. Be sure to check their official websites or Facebook pages for up-to-date contact info.

Step 2: Submit Required Documents

I asked for quotes from both companies. Ventura was RM500 cheaper, which worried me at first, but locals reassured me: large-scale companies tend to offer better rates and faster service. So I went with Ventura.

You’ll need to send clear scans or photos of:

Document内容
Vehicle Registration (Geran)Front and back
Passport or ICFront and back
Bank Release LetterOnly if the car is under loan
Insurance CertificateMust show First Party coverage (Third Party not sufficient)

These are usually submitted via WhatsApp or email.

Step 3: Arrange Vehicle Pickup

If you live outside of KL, many agents offer vehicle pickup services near your location. I received a quote for this option, where pickup would have taken place at a highway exit like TOL Gopeng using a large trailer. However, since we needed the car until just before the move, we chose to drive it to Port Klang ourselves.

Important: The trailer service may be outsourced to a third-party provider. Make sure to confirm the exact meeting point, time, and person in charge.

⚠️ Note: Most agents won’t take responsibility for damage during land transport. Confirm the risk policy in advance.

Step 4: Payment Process

After quote approval, I paid a 10% deposit (RM200) by the deadline, with the balance due one day before port entry.

After confirming the order, my point of contact changed. While the second rep handled things well, I did need to re-explain some details, so keep records of all communication.

Actual Cost Breakdown

Item金Cost (RM)
Gopeng to Port Klang (land)RM450
Port Klang to Port Kuching (sea)RM1,600 → RM1,550 (discounted)
TotalRM2,000 → RM1,550

Note: Prices vary by vehicle model (e.g., Myvi, Axia) and departure location (e.g., Johor Bahru, Penang). Always request a custom quote.
🔗 Check latest prices on Ventura’s official site

We initially considered using land transport but ended up driving the car directly to Port Klang since we needed it until the last day before moving.

Can You Put Personal Items in the Car?

Policies on in-car belongings vary by company. In our case, Ventura allowed a limited number of personal items. However, I also received quotes from other providers who stated that no items were allowed in the vehicle at all.
So it’s best to check carefully in advance, as the rules can differ quite a bit.

ItemRule
AllowedClothes, books, tableware (max 4–5 boxes, 10kg each)
Not AllowedValuables, electronics, Touch’nGo, dashcams, perfumes
Packing RuleBoxes must stay below window height
DisclaimerAll items are at your own risk – no compensation provided

Drop-off and Pick-up Locations

Before proceeding, be sure to check the latest information directly with your chosen company, as procedures may vary or be updated.
Here’s how it worked with Ventura:

Drop-Off: Port Klang (North Port Storage)

We delivered our car on Nov 21 to a warehouse called North Port Storage. Ventura sent a pin location via WhatsApp.

🚗 Operating Hours (Ventura – Port Klang):

DayMorningAfternoon
Mon–Thu10:00〜13:0014:00〜16:00
Friday10:00〜11:3015:00〜17:00
Saturday10:00〜13:00Closed

Pick-Up: Port Kuching

The original departure date (Nov 24) was delayed to Nov 27 due to rough sea conditions. Arrival was also pushed from Nov 28 to Nov 30, then delayed again to Dec 5.

I only found out after contacting the agent—there was no notification on the revised arrival. It’s supposed to be standard for agents to notify you once your vehicle arrives and customs clearance begins.

Proxy Pickup is possible — if you can’t be there yourself:

  • The proxy must bring their own ID
  • Provide a copy of your ID
  • Provide a copy of your vehicle registration (Geran)

🚗 Operating Hours (Port Kuching):

DayMorningAfternoon
Mon–Fri8:30〜11:0014:30〜16:00

⚠️ Note: Port pick-up usually requires advance notice.

If you’re unable to collect the car on the specified day, storage is available for a fee — although I was informed by the main ECL Malaysia representative that the first week is free.

In my case, the car arrived around 5 December and I collected it on 11 December.
(Weekend collection wasn’t available at the time, so weekday pick-up was necessary.)

Vehicle Pick-Up Counter at Port Kuching

Port access authorisation is required for vehicle collection.

Insurance & Risks

The shipping agent does not provide insurance for your vehicle or its contents. If damage occurs, only First Party insurance can be used to claim. Third Party coverage won’t help.

I was also warned repeatedly by both agents and locals: they take no responsibility for theft of any belongings inside the vehicle.

Thankfully, our Perodua Bezza made it through safely—but if you own a luxury or imported vehicle, you may want to remove all valuable accessories and avoid storing items inside.

Final Thoughts

At the beginning, I found it incredibly hard to find clear, up-to-date information about car transport within Malaysia.

Since I didn’t know anyone in Kuching at the time, planning the pickup on top of the move was stressful. There were unexpected issues—like the change of contact person, communication with subcontractors, and storage policies at the port.

Still, if you take the time to communicate clearly with your agent and move step by step, shipping your car between West and East Malaysia can be smoother than expected.

If you’re feeling unsure about where to begin, I hope this guide gives you a clearer roadmap forward. It’s absolutely possible—and with the right prep, surprisingly manageable.

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