JPJ issues over 133,000 summonses to foreign drivers in eight months

In the first eight months of the year, Kuala Lumpur's transportation authority, the Road Transport Department (JPJ), issued over 133,000 summonses to foreign drivers for various traffic violations. These offenses ranged from driving without a valid licence to possessing expired or inadequate driving credentials. The Transport Ministry explained that these penalties were enforced under subsection 26 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which allows for fines between RM500 and RM2,000, imprisonment for up to three months, or both.

The JPJ noted that 21,232 summonses were issued for lacking a Competent Driving Licence (CDL), while 1,933 were for failing to have a Goods Driving Licence (GDL), and 85 were for not having a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence. Other infractions included expired Motor Vehicle Licences (LKM), lack of insurance, absence of an entry permit or International Circulation Permit (ICP), and overloading.

The ministry stressed that vehicle owners and employers had a responsibility to ensure that only individuals with valid licences operate their vehicles. Foreign nationals, including those with UNHCR cards, would not be allowed to pay a fine but would be taken to court if caught driving without a valid licence. As of October 2026, JPJ reported that 3,572 vehicles were seized, compared to 7,445 seized from January to October 2025. Employers who allowed foreigners to drive without proper licenses could also face legal action.