SELAYANG: Foreigners are paying up to RM100 daily to rent motorcycles from local owners to run small businesses, a practice now under scrutiny by the Road Transport Department.
Selangor Road Transport Department director Datuk Kamarunzaman Mehat said investigations revealed many foreigners rent motorcycles from locals, with daily rates varying based on private agreements.
"Some pay as much as RM100 a day, depending on the agreement reached between the owner and the foreign rider," Kamarunzaman told reporters after a joint operation with the Selayang Municipal Council on Wednesday (July 29).
During the joint operation, targeting foreign drivers, several foreign motorists were caught operating rented motorcycles, including an ice cream vendor who unknowingly approached enforcement officers to sell his goods.
In another incident, a foreign motorist attempted to offer RM50 to officers after being questioned, believing it was an on-the-spot compound payment.
Officers informed the motorist that the matter could not be settled on the spot as cases must be brought to court without compound offers.
Kamarunzaman said foreigners commonly use rented motorcycles to sell bread or collect discarded furniture and recyclable items for resale.
While investigations have yet to confirm an organised syndicate, enforcement officers detected cases involving up to 30 motorcycles registered under a single local owner.
Kamarunzaman warned that vehicle owners who knowingly allow unlicensed foreigners to drive face stern legal action alongside the drivers.
"There will be no leniency or special treatment for anyone breaking the law, including vehicle owners," he said.
"Enforcement actions, including vehicle seizures, notice issuance and prosecution, will continue consistently."
"Both the driver and owner can be held responsible. We will seize the vehicle, offer no compound, and bring the case to court," he added.
The integrated operation in Selayang involved 55 department officers and 25 council enforcement officers inspecting 126 vehicles.
Officers seized 34 vehicles under Section 64 of the Road Transport Act 1987, comprising 11 three-wheeled motorcycles, 12 motorcycles, six private vehicles and five goods vehicles.
Kamarunzaman added that all seized vehicles will remain impounded until court proceedings conclude.
