A 25-year-old man was detained by the Kuala Lumpur Road Transport Department (JPJ) after he was caught driving without a valid licence while returning from a festive trip to Kelantan. The suspect was intercepted on the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway yesterday during a routine enforcement operation. Authorities discovered that the individual had travelled to the East Coast state for the Hari Raya celebrations despite lacking the necessary legal documentation to operate a motor vehicle.
Kuala Lumpur JPJ Director Hamidi Adam stated that upon being stopped, the driver claimed he had borrowed the car from his older brother. However, a comprehensive inspection by officers revealed multiple serious violations. Not only was the driver found to be unlicensed, but the vehicle itself had an expired Motor Vehicle Licence (LKM) that had not been renewed for over a year. Furthermore, the car was being operated without any valid insurance coverage, posing a significant risk to other road users.
Following these discoveries, the vehicle was immediately seized for further action in accordance with the Road Transport Act 1987. Hamidi emphasised that driving a vehicle with an expired road tax and no insurance is a major offence that compromises public safety. The department confirmed that strict penalties would be enforced against both the driver and the registered owner of the vehicle for allowing an unlicensed individual to operate a non-compliant car.
The Kuala Lumpur JPJ has reiterated its commitment to continuous monitoring and enforcement across all major highways to ensure road users adhere to established laws and regulations. Hamidi noted that the department pays close attention to public complaints and road safety standards, particularly during peak festive periods when traffic volume is high. This incident serves as a stern reminder to the public regarding the legal consequences of ignoring vehicle maintenance and licensing requirements.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing as authorities complete the necessary documentation for prosecution. The department has advised vehicle owners to ensure their road tax and insurance are up to date before allowing others to use their vehicles. By maintaining rigorous enforcement, the JPJ aims to reduce the number of untaxed and uninsured vehicles on Malaysian roads, thereby enhancing overall safety for the community.
