KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians who rent vehicles to foreigners without proper checks or authorisation have been identified as the main reason for the city Road Transport Department’s (JPJ) Ops Pewa (pemandu warga asing, or foreign drivers) continuing unabated.
JPJ senior enforcement director Datuk Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan said investigations found that foreign drivers were renting motorcycles and cars from locals for use on public roads, including to transport goods and for personal use.
He said that despite firm action taken against foreign drivers, the problem persisted because of some local vehicle owners.
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"If Malaysians do not rent out their vehicles to foreign nationals, then foreign nationals would not be able to drive these vehicles on public roads.
"However, because vehicle owners can charge high rental rates – for example, RM100 to RM200 monthly for a motorcycle – this practice continues," he told a press conference at the city JPJ office here on Friday (Feb 6).
Kifli stressed that JPJ would not compromise when taking action against both the drivers and vehicle owners, including issuing summonses or even legal action.
He added that JPJ had also issued a stern warning to employers and vehicle owners not to allow foreigners to drive without valid qualifications and proper documentation.
"Cooperation from Malaysians is crucial to curb this issue and to facilitate the enforcement of road traffic laws," he said.
