JPJ and Immigration Department launch joint operations against companies hiring unlicensed foreign drivers, with 5,915 offences detected in Selangor this year.
SHAH ALAM: The Road Transport Department will collaborate with the Immigration Department in integrated enforcement operations targeting companies employing foreign drivers without valid licences.
JPJ senior enforcement director Datuk Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan said this new approach follows repeated cases involving unlicensed foreign lorry drivers, particularly in garbage truck operations.
He noted that despite previous warnings and engagement sessions, some cleaning companies continue employing foreigners without proper driving credentials, creating safety risks for road users.
“Based on statistics from January to date, Selangor JPJ has detected 5,915 offences involving foreign drivers during operations targeting cleaning companies,” he said at a press conference today.
The department issued 2,170 summonses for various offences during these operations.
Authorities also served 1,729 inspection notices, 1,620 vehicle prohibition notices, 154 interrogation notices, 138 seizure notices and 104 driver detail requests.
In the past 10 days alone, 25 garbage trucks from one company were seized for multiple violations.
These vehicles were driven by unlicensed foreign drivers and lacked proper road tax, insurance, and maintenance.
Muhammad Kifli described current penalties under the Road Transport Act 1987 as too lenient, with fines ranging from RM300 to RM1,000.
He said these penalties lack deterrent effect against companies hiring illegal drivers.
For the 25 seized lorries, JPJ will revoke their permits under the Land Public Transport Act.
“However, this action alone is still insufficient, as companies that hire illegal drivers are not directly penalised,” he added.
Most workers in these cases were found misusing their work permits, with all 25 cases referred to immigration authorities.
The Immigration Department will take action under the Immigration Act 1959/63 against these violations.
Muhammad Kifli said the joint operation represents a new strategy to address repeat offences and prevent accidents involving heavy vehicles. – Bernama
