The Road Transport Department (JPJ) in Selangor has uncovered a growing practice involving locals renting out motorcycles to foreigners at rates between RM20 and RM30 per day, a trend believed to be contributing to the persistent issue of unlicensed drivers on Malaysian roads.
Selangor JPJ deputy director Datuk Ahmad Kamarunzaman Mehat said enforcement efforts have been ongoing, but the problem continues due to some vehicle owners deliberately renting out their motorcycles to foreign nationals for profit.
He explained that rental arrangements vary depending on duration, whether daily, weekly or monthly, and are agreed privately between vehicle owners and foreign users.
According to him, JPJ will take action against both parties involved — the foreign riders and the Malaysian vehicle owners who facilitate such arrangements.
He stressed that owners of the registered vehicles can also be prosecuted under existing laws, highlighting that responsibility does not lie solely with the riders.
Ahmad Kamarunzaman said a total of 95 vehicles were seized under Ops Pemandu Warga Asing (Ops Pewa), conducted in several hotspot areas across Selangor from the beginning of the year until June 18, with motorcycles making up 61 of the seizures.
The remaining seized vehicles included 23 goods vehicles, nine private vehicles and two public service vehicles.
He added that most foreign drivers detained were found without valid driving licences, while many of the vehicles used had no road tax or insurance coverage.
In total, 734 offences were recorded, with the highest involving 268 cases of no Competent Driving Licence (CDL), followed by 207 cases of expired road tax and 178 cases without insurance.
Other offences included lack of Goods Driving Licence (GDL) and Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licences.
Authorities also detected technical violations such as poor vehicle maintenance, worn-out tyres and faulty braking systems, posing serious risks to other road users.
JPJ said a total of 239 foreign nationals were taken action against, including individuals from Myanmar, Bangladesh, Indonesia, India and other countries.
The department reiterated that vehicle owners, employers and transport companies bear full responsibility for offences committed by drivers operating their vehicles, including foreign nationals.
Under Section 109 of the Road Transport Act 1987, registered owners may be prosecuted, while Section 64 empowers JPJ to seize vehicles driven by foreigners without valid licences.
