JPJ, Immigration Crack Down on Unlicensed Foreign Drivers in Balakong; 13 Detained

BALAKONG, Feb 23 : The Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) carried out an integrated enforcement operation under Ops Pemandu Warga Asing (PEWA) in collaboration with the Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia (JIM) in the Balakong area early Monday morning.

The operation, which began at 6.30am, involved 30 JPJ officers and personnel with support from 10 immigration officers. It forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen enforcement against foreign nationals found driving without proper qualifications and documentation.

During the operation, authorities inspected 13 vehicles, including 11 goods vehicles weighing below 7,500 kilograms, one private car and another vehicle. Enforcement action was taken against all vehicles found in violation.

JPJ reported three primary offences: 16 cases of driving without a valid Goods Driving Licence (GDL), 12 cases of driving without a Competent Driving Licence (CDL), and eight cases involving the absence of a valid Motor Vehicle Licence (LKM).

A total of 47 notices were issued under various legal provisions, including Notice (P)22 and notices under Sections 61(1), 63(1) and 64(1) of the Road Transport Act.

In the same operation, JIM detained 13 foreign nationals for further action. Those detained comprised six Pakistani nationals, five Indian nationals, one Nepalese national and one Bangladeshi national.

JPJ stressed that it would not tolerate any party found violating road transport laws. Firm measures, including vehicle seizure, issuance of notices and prosecution, will continue to be carried out consistently and comprehensively.

The department also issued a stern warning to vehicle owners and employers not to allow foreign nationals to operate vehicles without valid licences and documentation, stating that failure to comply with regulations may result in legal action without compromise.