KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuala Lumpur branch of the Road Transport Department (JPJ) will take action against Malaysian vehicle owners who allow foreigners to drive their vehicles illegally, following the discovery of widespread misuse during a recent enforcement operation on Tuesday (Jan 20).
Kuala Lumpur JPJ director Hamidi Adam said investigations revealed that many vehicles seized during Operasi Pemandu Warga Asing (Pewa) were registered under the names of local owners, despite being driven by foreigners.
“Based on our system, the registered owners are Malaysians. However, checks found that the vehicles were sold to foreigners without proper ownership transfers,” he told a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur JPJ headquarters Tuesday (Jan 20).
He said such transactions were not legally recognised, as no official change of ownership was recorded in the JPJ system.
“As a result, the registered owners remain fully responsible and will also be subjected to enforcement action under existing laws,” he added.
Hamidi said JPJ would also continue engaging with local authorities and private contractors, particularly those in the cleaning and waste management sectors, where foreign drivers were frequently found operating lorries and motorcycles.
“Employers must ensure that any foreign workers engaged comply with immigration requirements and possess valid driving licences.
“There is no restriction on foreigners driving vehicles, provided all legal conditions are met,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hamidi shared JPJ’s achievements, saying that enforcement statistics show a declining trend in cases involving foreign drivers, with 586 vehicles seized in 2024, 376 in 2025, and 58 so far in January 2026.
“The decline is likely due to sustained enforcement and cooperation with other agencies, but JPJ Kuala Lumpur will continue operations from time to time to address this issue,” he said.
