SELAYANG: For RM100 a day, some foreigners are renting motorcycles from locals to do petty business, and this practice has come under the scrutiny of the Road Transport Department (JPJ).
Selangor JPJ director Datuk Kamarunzaman Mehat said investigations under Ops Pemandu Warga Asing (Pewa) found that the rental fee is based on agreements with vehicle owners.
“The rented machines are commonly used by foreigners to earn a living like collecting discarded furniture and recyclable items for resale.
“So far, we have yet to establish the existence of an organised syndicate although there were cases involving multiple vehicles registered under one owner.
“There is a case we found about 30 motorcycles belonging to the same owner,” he said after a joint operation with the Selayang Municipal Council yesterday.
During the operation, some foreigners appeared unaware of the seriousness of the offence.
One of them was seen attempting to pay RM50 to enforcement officers after being questioned.
The officers explained that the offence is not compoundable and that the case will have to be brought to court.
Kamarunzaman said JPJ would not compromise with foreigners caught driving or riding without a valid licence.
“There will be no leniency or special treatment for those who break the law, including vehicle owners.
“Enforcement action, including vehicle seizure, issuance of notices and prosecution, will continue to be carried out consistently and comprehensively,” he said.
Kamarunzaman also warned vehicle owners, employers or anyone who allowed foreigners to drive or ride without a valid licence, recognised qualifications or legal travel documents.
“The driver and the owner can both be held responsible. We will seize the vehicle and bring the case to court,” he said.
The integrated operation involved 55 JPJ officers and personnel together with 25 council enforcement officers.
A total of 126 vehicles were inspected. Out of this, 34 vehicles were seized under Section 64 of the Road Transport Act 1987, comprising 11 three-wheeled motorcycles, 12 motorcycles, six private vehicles and five goods vehicles.
