JPJ Perlis Seizes 95 Vehicles Driven by Foreign Nationals in Road Safety Crackdown

KANGAR: The Perlis Road Transport Department (JPJ) has seized 95 vehicles driven by foreign nationals for various traffic and licensing offences during enforcement operations conducted from the beginning of this year until July 14.

Perlis JPJ Director Noraini Mohd Nawi said that of the total vehicles seized, 65 were owned by Malaysian citizens, while the remaining 30 belonged to foreign nationals, including one luxury vehicle.

She added that 741 traffic summonses were issued to foreign drivers during the same period for a range of road traffic violations.

Speaking at a press conference at the Perlis JPJ Depot on Thursday, Noraini said the most common offences detected involved driving licence violations, vehicle licensing offences, technical and roadworthiness issues, illegal window tinting, and other breaches of the Road Transport Act.

“All vehicles seized were found to have committed offences under the relevant provisions of the law,” she said.

Noraini explained that enforcement operations also focused on foreign nationals found driving luxury vehicles registered in Malaysia while failing to comply with Malaysian road traffic regulations.

Among the offences detected were driving without a valid Competent Driving Licence (CDL), lack of valid motor insurance, failure to possess an International Driving Permit (IDP) where required, and outstanding traffic summonses under the Road Transport Act 1987.

She said that since June 16, JPJ has strengthened its enforcement approach, with offences involving expired Motor Vehicle Licences (LKM) and driving without the appropriate class of licence now being referred directly to court for prosecution.

“Vehicles seized under these offences will only be released after all court proceedings have been completed,” she said.

Noraini also revealed that 243 vehicles were subjected to enforcement action this year, involving 468 recorded offences, with authorities collecting RM89,200 in compound fines.

As part of the Foreign Drivers Operation (PEWA), she said three foreign nationals were brought before the courts between January and June, where they were fined a total of RM750.

The Perlis JPJ said it will continue intensifying enforcement efforts to ensure all motorists, including foreign drivers, comply with Malaysia’s road transport laws and contribute to safer roads for all users.