The Malaysia car industry is protective of its fledgling production lines and cars are not as cheap as they are in many other parts of the world. Tariffs on imported cars are high to encourage purchases of the locally assembled product.

For these reasons you may want to reconsider the idea of bringing a car along. Very few people do unless they are really attached to it. Shipping fees are not prohibitive but there is some red tape and if you are only coming for a short time, there probably isn't much point. If you do, get a good agent to handle all the paper work but you will be required to collect the car from the wharves when it arrives.
You also need a JPJ (Ministry of Road Transport) permit, which includes a car inspection, duties must then be paid and then the car needs to be registered. This means having original purchase documents, previous registration documents and patience. Being pleasant, calm and collected always helps in such situations.

Conditions Imposed :
The car must be registered in your name no less than 3 years from the date of your application. If ownership of the vehicle has not reached 3 years, the car won't be allowed into Malaysia.

Documents needed :
An application letter (preferably with the company's letterhead paper) addressed to the Ministry of Trade and Industry for importing the car from one's home country for personal use in Malaysia.
A completed JK69 form which can be purchased (60 sen) from Percetakan Nasional at Jalan Chan Sow Lin (in Kuala Lumpur city centre) or at the Ministry of Trade and Industry's office.
A receipt of purchase of the car, or any proof of ownership such as a letter from the previous owner if it's a second hand vehicle.
The original copy of the car's registration as well as a photocopy.
The original copy of the vehicle's insurance document or a letter from the insurance company.
The letter of contract from the company you are for in Malaysia & work permit.
A photocopy of your passport.

Bring all the above documents to the Ministry of Trade & Industry for processing and an interview with the officer. Processing of the application will take 7 working days. Once the Approval Permit is issued, the car must be imported within 3 months, or the person has to re-apply.

Import duties :
Duties are imposed based on the engine capacity (cc) of the car to be imported. The rates are as follows:

Below 1800cc
140% import duty + 10% sales tax
1800cc - 2000cc
170% import duty + 10% sales tax
2000cc - 2500cc
200% import duty + 10% sales tax
2500cc - 3000cc
250% import duty + 10% sales tax
3000cc & above
300% import duty + 10% sales tax

Shipping :
You can personally arrange for the shipping with the automobile association or agents in your home country, and then if you wish, contact AAM (Automobile Association of Malaysia) to assist in the clearance of the car at the port, or to recommend good local agents. Contact AAM's Head Office in Kuala Lumpur at 603 - 2162 5777.

Contact :
Address: Ministry of Trade and Industry
Blok 10, Kompleks Kerajaan,
Jalan Duta, 50622 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 603 - 6201 0033