Myanmar citizens buying vehicles for Rohingya friends, says Kelantan RTD

Kota Baru: Kelantan Road Transport Department has identified a novel approach where Myanmar nationals legally entering the state subsequently provide Malaysian-registered motorbikes to their Rohingya acquaintances. Kelantan RTD director Mohd Misuari Abdullah revealed that these individuals enter Malaysia with valid passports and permits before acquiring and registering vehicles under their names.

The vehicles, predominantly motorcycles, are subsequently loaned to Rohingya friends for their personal use and navigation within the state. This is a novel tactic that the department has recently detected. Upon entering legally with valid permits and passports, they purchase and register vehicles in Malaysia, and then lend them to their Rohingya friends, he stated during a press conference.

Misuari informed that the state RTD would collaborate with other agencies to undertake comprehensive operations, particularly focusing on vehicles suspected to be utilized in such schemes. He believed curbing the utilization of such vehicles could aid in diminishing the likelihood of criminal activities involving the community. If they employ bicycles, that poses no concern for us.

However, when vehicles are involved, we must monitor and implement appropriate measures, he added. Furthermore, Misuari disclosed that some locals are still renting out vehicles to members of the community despite enforcement actions against such practices. He mentioned that several vehicle owners had been prosecuted in court, leading to fewer locals being willing to rent out their vehicles.

Some claim ignorance of the matter, while others express sympathy for Rohingya. Nevertheless, the department will persist in monitoring this group and take appropriate action against those who breach the law, he concluded.