From stickers to polished chrome, decorated trucks across Asia reflect personal pride and cultural identity. While styles vary, many drivers treat their vehicles as personal canvases.
In countries like Pakistan and Thailand, trucks often feature elaborate artwork. In Malaysia, the approach is more reserved, but the intention is similar. Common touches include family names, hometowns, football logos, short quotes, or religious phrases. These small details express the personality of the driver.
Customisation is most common among small businesses and independent drivers. Painted accents, coloured rims, cab curtains, and extra lights show a practical yet personal style. Most modifications are done by drivers themselves or by small workshops, evolving with time and budget.
Long-haul drivers, who spend days on the road, often treat their truck as a second home. Visual and comfort upgrades break the monotony of travel and create a sense of ownership. Fleet trucks tend to follow uniform branding, but even these often carry small marks of individuality, such as a dashboard ornament, a name sticker, or a personal slogan.
Decoration, though, does not exist without boundaries. In Malaysia, for example, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) sets rules on what is allowed. Stickers, lights, or small fittings are fine, but changes must not block visibility, alter the structure, or pose risks on the road. PUSPAKOM inspections enforce these limits. In short, trucks may carry the driver’s personal stamp, but they must remain safe and compliant.
Companies, too, have explored vehicle art. A well-known example was LaFarge’s “Happiness in the City” project, where cement trucks were turned into moving murals. It showed how heavy vehicles could go beyond function, becoming part of the cultural fabric while still serving their practical purpose.
Though quieter than some regional styles, truck decoration in Malaysia remains a living form of expression. In every custom light, bumper, or decal, drivers leave a part of themselves on the road.
Photo courtesy of LaFarge
