Malaysia’s Road Transport Department (JPJ) announced that it will confiscate commercial vehicles driven by foreign employees from the 7th of August.
RULES OF THE ROAD
Malaysian law prohibits foreigners in the peninsula from driving commercial vehicles or holding public service vehicle or goods driving licences. Markedly, JPJ Senior Director of Enforcement Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan said the rule covers lorries, PSVs, and tour buses driven by foreigners.</span> According to the director, there is a growing trend of companies illegally hiring foreigners and drivers with traffic offence records for MYR 2,500 (about AUD 900) per month.
“In this case, enforcement action can be taken according to Sections 22, 41, 57 of the Land Public Transport Act (APAD) 2010 for violating permit conditions and Section 80 of APAD 2010, which is that officers can seize and take to court to forfeit the commercial company’s vehicle if found guilty,” Muhammad Kifli explained during a press conference at the JPJ Enforcement station.
As of July 2025, around 2,700 summons have been issued by the JPJ against offending drivers of these vehicles. Majority of these, 2,551 cases, involve drivers without appropriate licences, while 89 vehicles were charged for overloading.
“Licensed companies and operators in the transport industry are urged to always comply with the regulations set and ensure that every employee hired has valid documents and qualifications,” he added.
CATCHING A CASE
A day before the JPJ announcement, enforcement officers caught an Indonesian national driving a lorry in Sungai Pusu. Furthermore, the individual drove the vehicle without an appropriate licence and was subsequently brought to the Kuala Lumpur Immigration Department.
“Further checks found that the identity card and Competent Driving Licence (CDL) as well as the Goods Vehicle Licence (GDL) were all fake. This issue of forged documents is a serious offence,” recalled Muhammad Kifli. “Continuous inspection and monitoring operations in collaboration with other enforcement agencies and uncompromising firm action will be taken against any party found to be violating any Act 333 of the Road Transport Act 1987 (suspension or endorsement/penalty points on driving licence), Act 715 of the APAD 2010 and other related acts.”
Did you find this article interesting? Click the ‘heart’ button above to give it a ‘like’!
