The Road Transport Department (JPJ) Penang has seized 107 vehicles, including luxury Toyota Alphard and Toyota Land Cruiser models driven by foreign nationals, during its Special Foreign Drivers Operation (Ops PeWA) conducted from June 16 until Thursday.
Penang JPJ director Zulkifly Ismail said some of the seized vehicles were owned by the foreign drivers themselves, while others were registered under the names of Malaysian citizens.
He said the vehicles were confiscated for offences including driving without a valid licence and using vehicles with expired road tax.
“Some of the luxury vehicles were owned by the foreign nationals themselves, while others belonged to local vehicle owners,” he said at a press conference at the Penang JPJ office in Seberang Jaya.
According to Zulkifly, those found driving the luxury vehicles included professionals and businesspeople from China and Myanmar.
He said the special operation was launched to curb offences involving foreign nationals driving without valid licences and to identify vehicle owners who allowed unqualified individuals to use their vehicles.
Throughout the operation, JPJ inspected 8,458 vehicles driven by foreign nationals.
A total of 317 vehicles were found to have committed various offences, while 587 summonses were issued to foreign offenders. The operation also resulted in the seizure of 107 vehicles, including luxury models from several brands.
Zulkifly said that under the Road Transport Act 1987, enforcement action is taken not only against drivers without valid licences but also against vehicle owners who permit them to drive.
“In addition to being fined for driving without a valid licence, the vehicle involved will also be seized,” he said.
He reminded foreign nationals wishing to drive in Malaysia that they must possess a valid driving licence recognised under Malaysian regulations, either a Malaysian driving licence or an international driving permit obtained before entering the country.
“Foreign drivers must comply with the same road regulations as Malaysian motorists. Those intending to use an international driving permit must apply for it in their home country before arriving in Malaysia,” he added.
