Sewa kereta kepada Rohingya, 34 pemilik di Kelantan didenda RM34,000

In Kelantan, 34 vehicle owners have been summoned to court for various violations, including renting cars to Rohingya immigrants without valid driving licenses, according to the chairman of the Kelantan Road Transport Department, Misuari Abdullah. Abdullah stated that this action is part of efforts to strengthen enforcement against local vehicle owners who allow individuals without a valid license to use their cars.

Until last June, 34 cases involved vehicle owners being summoned to court, resulting in a total fine of RM34,000, according to The Star. Recently, JPJ Kelantan reported identifying a new tactic by Rohingya immigrants renting vehicles from locals, including attractive women for daily use. The cost of renting a vehicle ranges from RM50 to RM500 per month.

Abdullah previously mentioned that 85% of the offenders arrested through the operation to regulate foreign drivers (Ops PEWA) in Kelantan since January to June were Rohingya immigrants. Out of 180 vehicles inspected during that period, 105 were impounded and 201 notices were issued, involving 439 violations. The most significant offense was 210 cases of driving without a valid license, followed by 105 instances of misusing road tax.

Abdullah advised the general public not to pursue profits from vehicle rentals as they would face strict action. Rohingya immigrants are prohibited from driving in Malaysia without a valid license, while vehicle owners who rent or lend their cars to individuals without a valid license can be charged under Section 23(2) of the Road Transport Act 1987, in addition to impounding the vehicle.