GEORGE TOWN: They came to Malaysia in search of a livelihood, taking up jobs as contract and factory workers.
But getting to work has proved a challenge for many.
Some rent motorcycles from locals for RM200 a month, while others use Malaysian proxies to register vehicles.
The danger is that these workers from Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Myanmar are on the road without valid driving or riding licences.
In a five-hour operation codenamed Ops Pemandu Warga Asing on Friday, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) seized 74 vehicles and issued 258 summonses for various offences.
State JPJ director Zulkifly Ismail said all the vehicles seized outside the department’s headquarters in Batu Uban were driven or ridden by foreigners.
He said the seizures were made under Section 64 of the Road Transport Act 1987, particularly in cases involving individuals driving without valid licences.
“If a foreigner is caught riding a motorcycle without a licence, we have to seize the vehicle. Otherwise, the individual may continue using it despite not having a valid driving licence,” he said.
Zulkifly said employers, vehicle owners and those responsible for managing foreign workers must ensure anyone allowed to drive has the necessary qualifications and valid documents.
He said enforcement would continue, regardless of nationality, to safeguard all road users.
“Do not put personal interests or profits ahead of road safety.
"The public, particularly Malaysians, are advised against renting out or lending vehicles to foreigners who do not have valid driving licences and documents.
“Allowing unqualified foreigners to drive can pose various risks, including endangering other road users.
“Malaysians should exercise greater caution and not take this matter lightly, as any accident could threaten not only those involved but also innocent third parties,” he said.
Zulkifly said 694 vehicles were screened during the operation, resulting in 158 enforcement actions.
Another 50 cases involved expired motor vehicle licences (LKM), or road tax.
On vehicle ownership among foreigners, he clarified that the law did not require a person to hold a driving licence to register a vehicle in their own name.
The same provision applied to Malaysians without driving licences, who were also allowed to own vehicles.
“Although a person can own a vehicle without a driving licence, they cannot drive it on public roads without a valid licence,” he said.
