Kuala Lumpur:The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has identified certain parties offering unrecognised International Driving Permits (IDPs) to foreigners for up to RM500, claiming a validity period of five years.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kuala Lumpur JPJ Director Hamidi Adam stated that these documents are believed not to satisfy the recognition requirements necessary for legal driving in Malaysia. In contrast, the IDP issued by JPJ Malaysia is valid for one year, based on the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic of 19 September 1949, and must comply with the specific laws of each country or territory.
Hamidi emphasized that possessing a document labeled 'International Driving Permit' does not automatically entitle someone to drive in Malaysia. The document must be issued by an authorized entity and meet all recognition standards applicable within the country. He advised foreigners to be cautious and not to fall victim to offers from unauthorized parties for international driving documents.
Separately, during the Foreign Drivers Operation (Ops PeWA) conducted in Kuala Lumpur, JPJ seized 47 out of 121 vehicles inspected. These included 40 motorcycles, four cars, and three goods vehicles. The operation also resulted in the issuance of 273 road traffic offence notices, which included 217 P22 notices, four PG1 notices, five Section 61(1) notices, and 47 Section 64(1) Seizure notices under the Road Transport Act 1987 [Act 333].
Among the offences recorded were 120 related to Competent Driving Licences (CDL), 52 Motor Vehicle Licence (LKM) offences, 51 insurance offences, 37 technical offences, and four offences each involving vocational licences and misuse of LKM. Additionally, 58 foreigners were detained, comprising 17 from Pakistan, 11 from Myanmar, 10 from Bangladesh, nine from Indonesia, seven from India, and others from Arab countries and Cambodia. These individuals included drivers, attendants, and motorcycle pillion riders.
Hamidi also issued a stern warning to vehicle owners, operators, and those who rent out vehicles, cautioning them against allowing unauthorized individuals to drive their vehicles.