this is a pm i got from a guy who is bringing back his S15 from melborune
hi,
i'm actually working in Australia for a few months at the moment, on attachment for my job...
but i had applied for my AP after i completed my studies. yes, you have to apply before you ship your car back. without an AP, the car will just sit in customs. you will need documentation showing ownership + insurance (3rd party compulsory is sufficient) in your own name for a minimum of 9 months, and you also need documentation to show when you started staying overseas (e.g. letter of offer from uni showing course commencement) and completion of your stay abroad (e.g. letter of completion / testamur showing when you finished).
the only thing you save from getting an AP as a returning student / professional is the cost of 'buying' an AP. Normally, we would have to use an AP from one of the AP holders, who will sell them for varying amounts, e.g. RM15k-45k depending on what car it is for.
all duties will still have to be paid on the car imported into Malaysia. The tax will be on the market value / depreciated value of the car (customs has a guidebook which they will use if they do not accept your declared value) + shipping + shipping insurance costs. I think there's a 10% sales tax or something as well that's in the mix.
the formula is on the customs website - have a read, it should clear up your queries. i just followed the procedure - obtained the forms from MITI, filled it up, and applied. easy to do, if not sure, contact them directly. lots of misleading info out there from various people, regardless of how good their intentions are Wink myself included - don't take my word for it, find out for yourself to be sure! heheh.
good luck Cool
-KJ
ps customs link:
http://www.customs.gov.my/html/eng/kenderaan.asp?id=200&category=6