A question we get often: "My car still has a loan — can I ship it to Sabah/Sarawak?" The answer is yes. There's just one extra step versus a fully-paid car: a bank release letter. Sort that out early and the rest is the same as any normal shipment.
Can You Ship a Financed Car?
Yes. Thousands of vehicles move between the Peninsular and Borneo every month, and many are still under hire-purchase. The reason is simple: until the loan is settled, the bank is the registered owner. So to move the car across the sea, you need written consent from the bank — that's the bank release letter.
What Is a Bank Release Letter?
The release (or authorisation) letter is an official document from the financing bank stating they permit the vehicle to be relocated/shipped to Sabah or Sarawak. Without it, the port and we can't process the shipment because ownership is still under the bank's name.
Each bank has its own name and format for it (sometimes "temporary relocation consent" or similar), but the purpose is the same.
How to Get the Bank Release Letter
- 01
Contact your bank's hire-purchase department
Tell them you want to ship the vehicle to Sabah/Sarawak and request a release/relocation consent letter.
- 02
Prepare vehicle & destination details
Loan account number, plate number, model, and destination (e.g. Kota Kinabalu / Kuching). Make sure the loan account isn't in arrears.
- 03
Wait for processing (3-7 working days)
The bank processes and issues the letter. Some email it; others require collection at a branch.
- 04
Hand it to Rentaka
Send a copy of the letter with your other documents at booking. We verify it and proceed with the shipment.
Time & Cost
- ⏳ Time: 3-7 working days (varies by bank). This is the #1 avoidable delay — request early.
- 💰 Cost: some banks charge a small processing fee, others are free. Check with your bank.
- 📅 Tip: request the letter first, THEN lock the sailing date — so your shipping date aligns with the letter being ready.
Other Documents & the Shipping Process
Besides the bank release letter, the documents are the same as a normal shipment:
- 📋 Vehicle registration (VOC) — original or certified copy
- 🪪 Copy of the owner's IC
- 🛡️ Valid road tax & motor insurance
- ✍️ Rentaka booking form
See the full list in the document checklist. Once documents are complete, the process is the same: pickup/handover → inspection → RORO to the destination port → clearance & delivery. The whole thing is usually 10-14 days.
FAQ
Can I ship a car that's still under a loan?
Yes. A car under hire-purchase (HP) or a loan can be shipped to Sabah & Sarawak — you just need a release/authorisation letter from the financing bank, since technically the bank is the registered owner until the loan is settled.
What is a bank release letter?
It's an official letter from the financing bank authorising the vehicle to be shipped/relocated to Sabah or Sarawak. Without it, the port and we can't process the shipment because ownership still sits with the bank.
How long does it take to get?
Usually 3-7 working days depending on the bank. Request it at least 2 weeks before your intended shipping date so it doesn't hold up the vessel slot.
Is there a fee for the letter?
Some banks charge a small processing fee, others are free — it varies by bank. Check directly with your financing bank for the actual fee and form.
What if the bank won't issue the letter?
Banks normally issue it as long as your loan account isn't in arrears. If there's an issue, clear any arrears first, or contact your bank's hire-purchase department. We can wait until the letter is ready.
What if the car is already fully settled?
If the loan is settled and the registration is in your name, a bank release letter is NOT needed. You'll just need the registration, IC, valid road tax & insurance, and our booking form.
Can Rentaka get the letter for me?
The letter must be requested by the owner from their own bank (a personal account matter). But we guide you step by step and tell you exactly what the bank needs.
🏦 Car under loan? We've got you.
Get the bank release letter early, and we'll guide the rest from booking to delivery in Sabah/Sarawak.
// Rentaka Logistics — vehicle shipping since 2023
