Unlicensed foreign drivers: ‘Lack of strict enforcement among reasons’

PETALING JAYA: Lack of enforcement, along with low awareness, are some of the major factors that contribute to the rise of unlicensed foreign drivers on the roads, say road safety experts.

Selangor Road Safety Council permanent member Tengku Ahmad Marwan Tengku Mahmud said most of these foreign individuals were undocumented blue collar workers.

“Reason being (for their unlicensed status) is that many of them hardly understand Malay, because most of our drivers’ curriculum materials and also lectures are in Malay.

“I believe the lack of strict and efficient enforcement is also one of the reasons why they have the guts to drive without proper documentation,” he told The Star.

Tengku Ahmad Marwan said in order to address the problem, authorities need to weed out the bad apples consistently as opposed to only doing so occasionally.

He also called for employers to abide by the law by ensuring that their employees, who are required to operate vehicles, are licensed.

"Current fines and penalties should also be reviewed by our government. With higher fines, it is hoped that people will take the matter seriously. Employers should also be held responsible for the offence,” said the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) affiliate member.

Road safety expert Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua from Universiti Putra Malaysia said the number of unlicensed foreign drivers were more significant in the rural and suburban areas.

He said this was due to the lack of public transport services in the areas as well as lower levels of enforcement by the authorities.

He added that it will pose road safety concerns as the drivers are not trained to use the roads here.

“As they lack a valid licence, they are (also) consequently not covered by insurance,” he added.

Law said other than foreign workers, students from other countries were also among those who are driving in Malaysia without a licence.

“Road Transport Department (JPJ) officers should give public lectures or advise foreigners and their employers to increase awareness about acquiring a valid driving licence.

“The driving exam procedure and curriculum should also be reviewed to make it easier for them to sit for the exam,” he said, adding that fees should also be reduced to encourage compliance.