GEORGE TOWN, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- The Penang Road Transport Department (JPJ) seized 74 motorcycles ridden by foreign nationals during the Foreign Drivers Operation (Ops PeWA) conducted around the city today.
Penang JPJ director Zulkifly Ismail said some foreigners rented motorcycles from local owners for as low as RM200 a month for daily use, including commuting to work, despite not having valid driving licences.
"Checks during the operation revealed that vehicles owned by locals were being rented out to foreigners, while some vehicles were registered under local names for the use of foreign nationals," he told a press conference at the Batu Uban JPJ branch following today's operation.
He said the operation, which ran from 5 am to 10 am, inspected 694 vehicles, resulting in the seizure of 74 motorcycles ridden by foreigners and the issuance of 258 summons notices for various offences.
Zulkifly added that riding without a licence was the most common offence, with 158 cases, while 50 involved expired Motor Vehicle Licences (LKM).
He said the seizure of all motorcycles ridden by foreign nationals was carried out under Section 64 of the Road Transport Act 1987 to prevent further offences.
"During the operation, we detected a Bangladeshi national in his early 30s who works for a construction company and had purchased a Yamaha Y16 motorcycle from a shop just three days before the operation.
"However, the motorcycle registered under his name was seized after he was found to be riding without a valid licence," he said.
He said most of the foreign nationals checked during the operation were contract and factory workers from Indonesia, Bangladesh, India and Myanmar.
Zulkifly reminded employers, vehicle owners, and agents managing foreign drivers to ensure that those permitted to drive hold valid licences and documentation before riding or driving vehicles.
He advised locals to be cautious when renting or lending vehicles to foreign nationals, as many lack valid driving documents or licences.
-- BERNAMA