The trailblazer of Malaysian special plates – “SUKOM” was introduced for the 16th Commonwealth Games, hosted in Kuala Lumpur in 1998. It marked the first time a major event-specific vanity plate was issued in the country. Auctioned in 1997 leading up to the Games, all SUKOM 1-999 plates were sold to generate funds for the Games’ organizing committee. Reports indicate the series raised around RM3.8 million in total – an impressive sum for the late ’90s. Dignitaries from Commonwealth nations and local corporations obtained many of the plates (quite a few limousines ferrying officials during the Games bore SUKOM plates). “SUKOM” itself is short for Sukan Komanwel, Malay for Commonwealth Games. As a historic series, it’s highly coveted. Hardly any appear for sale now – owners hold onto them as collector’s pieces. SUKOM opened the floodgates for later special plates, proving the concept’s viability. For Malaysians, it remains iconic: a reminder of the pride of hosting Commonwealth Games ’98 and the beginning of our special plate phenomenon. Key Facts: Issue Date: 1997 Issuance Range: 1 - 999 Rarity: Historic & highly sought-after (999 plates, first-ever series) Transfer Rules: Standard