Tearful Rohingya worker among foreigners detained in JPJ crackdown

A Rohingya refugee broke down in tears after being detained during a traffic enforcement drive in Malaysia on Tuesday, telling authorities that poverty and the struggle to keep his family alive had left him with “no choice” but to break the law.

The man, believed to be in his 30s and living in Malaysia for nearly 15 years, was stopped in Subang Jaya after officers found him riding a motorcycle without a valid driving licence and with road tax that had long expired.

“I know what I’m doing is wrong, but I have no choice,” he told officers, his voice trembling as he tried to explain the circumstances that pushed him onto the wrong side of the law.

The detention took place during Operasi Pemandu Warga Asing (PEWA), a joint enforcement operation carried out by the Selangor Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) targeting foreign drivers across several parts of the city.

Working as a cleaner, the Rohingya man said he earns only RM1,400 a month, barely enough to support his wife and child while trying to survive rising living costs.

“My house rent alone is RM800. I bought this motorcycle from someone else and pay RM270 every month,” he said, describing the fragile financial reality he faces each day.

Unable to legally purchase or register a motorcycle because he only possesses a UNHCR card and lacks formal documents, he said the vehicle had to be registered under a friend’s name.

Though fully aware he was violating traffic laws, he said desperation had cornered him into taking the risk.

“Finding work is already hard. A friend helped me get this job. If I don’t earn, how will my family survive?” he said.

The operation began at 10 am, with enforcement teams stopping vehicles suspected of being driven by foreign nationals.

Officials said many of those detained offered similar explanations, citing financial hardship and the urgent need to work as reasons behind traffic-related violations.

Meanwhile, Selangor JPJ Deputy Director Datuk Ahmad Kamarunzaman Mehat said the operation involved 36 JPJ officers and personnel along with 30 enforcement officers from MBSJ.

Authorities inspected 120 vehicles, taking enforcement action against 34, while issuing 336 notices for offences under Malaysia’s Road Transport Act.

The penalties included 218 summons notices, 29 vehicle prohibition notices, 29 vehicle inspection directives, 34 vehicle detention notices and 26 investigation interview notices.

Authorities said such operations would continue as part of wider efforts to improve road safety and ensure strict compliance with Malaysia’s transport laws.

For one Rohingya worker, however, Tuesday’s crackdown laid bare a painful reality faced by many undocumented migrants, where survival often collides with the law.

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