Following the AAA series, JPJ released “BBB” in 1978 as the second installment of triple-letter vanity plates. By this point, word had spread from the AAA experience, and more bidders came forward. BBB 1-9999 were up for grabs, and like AAA, they were allocated via special tender (since the regular state sequences in 1978 would’ve been nowhere near triple-B yet). The “BBB” prefix doesn’t carry inherent meaning, but some in the era associated it with slogans like “Bersih, Berani, Berjaya” (Clean, Brave, Successful) or other positive phrases. Many VIPs got involved; notably, one of the BBB single-digits went to a prominent tycoon in KL. The series also attracted corporate interest – a bank with a ‘B’ acronym reputedly secured BBB 8888 for promotional use. While detailed records from that era are scarce, BBB plates were considered prestigious. They marked the last triple-letter vanity until the concept was revived decades later (CCC in 2007). Thus, for nearly 30 years, AAA and BBB stood alone as special plates. Surviving BBB plates are rare sightings. Some reside in museums or private collections (e.g., Tun Mahathir’s foundation is said to have a classic car with BBB 2). As a limited run from a bygone era, BBB plates represent both the simplicity of early vanity plates and the exclusivity of owning a piece of Malaysian motoring history. Key Facts: Issue Date: 1978 Issuance Range: 1 - 9999 Rarity: Limited (historic series, 9,999 max, many likely gone) Transfer Rules: Standard