JPJ senior enforcement director Datuk Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan (left) with one of the seized vehicles. - Photo: Bernama
SHAH ALAM: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) will collaborate with the Immigration Department to carry out integrated enforcement operations against companies or lorry operators employing foreign nationals as drivers without valid driving licences.
JPJ senior enforcement director Datuk Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan stated that this approach follows repeated cases of lorry drivers, particularly garbage truck drivers, found driving without valid licences and misusing work permits, including those employed by cleaning companies owned by the Selangor government.
Despite previous warnings and engagement sessions, some cleaning companies continue to employ foreigners without valid driving licences, posing a safety risk to other road users.
"From January to date, Selangor JPJ has detected 5,915 offences involving foreign drivers during operations targeting cleaning companies.
"Of that number, 2,170 summonses were issued for various offences, while 1,729 inspection notices, 1,620 vehicle prohibition notices, 154 interrogation notices, 138 seizure notices, and 104 notices requesting driver details were issued," he said at a press conference at the Selangor JPJ headquarters Thursday (Nov 6).
In the past 10 days, 25 garbage trucks belonging to the same company have been seized, mainly because they were driven by unlicensed foreign drivers, lacked road tax or insurance, and were poorly maintained.
The existing penalty rate under the Road Transport Act 1987, which provides for a fine between RM300 and RM1,000, is considered too lenient and lacks a deterrent effect.
"For the 25 lorries seized, JPJ will take action to revoke their permits under the Land Public Transport Act (APAD). However, this action alone is insufficient, as companies hiring illegal drivers are not directly penalised.
"Most of these workers were found to have misused their work permits, and all 25 cases will be referred to the Immigration Department for further action under the Immigration Act 1959/63," he said.
The integrated enforcement operation between JPJ and the Immigration Department is a new measure aimed at addressing repeat offences and preventing accidents, particularly those involving heavy vehicles. – Bernama
