{
  "id": 11111398,
  "title": "Rohingya, UNHCR card holders not eligible for Malaysian licences",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/rohingya-unhcr-card-holders-not-eligible-for-malaysian-licences",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-01T04:54:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1545312/rohingya-unhcr-card-holders-not-eligible-malaysian-licences"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kota Baru: The Road Transport Department (RTD) is collaborating with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the police to identify those responsible for disseminating false claims that Rohingya are permitted to obtain Malaysian driving licences. RTD senior enforcement director Datuk Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan announced that the department has reported the incident to the police and appealed to the public to cease spreading the misinformation. Kifli emphasized that the issue was never addressed by the RTD and described the circulating claims on social media as false allegations aimed at damaging the department's reputation. He reiterated that there is no intention or plan by the RTD to permit Rohingya to apply for or obtain driving licences, as their priority remains Malaysian citizens. The department will continue monitoring social media platforms and take action against accounts found to be spreading false information. RTD has also directed all state departments to enhance enforcement under Ops Pemandu Warga Asing (PEWA), targeting foreigners driving vehicles without valid licences or proper documentation.",
  "summary": "KOTA BARU: The Road Transport Department (RTD) will work with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and police to trace those responsible for spreading false claims that Rohingya are allowed to obtain Malaysian driving licences.",
  "key_points": [
    "RTD denies Rohingya can obtain Malaysian driving licences.",
    "Collaboration with MCMC and police to identify false claim spreaders.",
    "Public urged to stop spreading misinformation on social media."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Road Transport Department's clarification aims to protect its reputation and maintain order by targeting misinformation and enforcing regulations on driving licences for non-citizens, particularly the Rohingya and UNHCR card holders.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}