JPJ Hopes To Tackle Unlicensed Underage Driving Issue Through Advocacy

In this regard, JPJ will continue to strengthen its advocacy program on the importance of valid licenses for motorists and motorcyclists, particularly school students.

This effort will include getting 23,000 people aged 16 to 35 their driving licenses within six months, including students who ride motorcycles to school with a license, according to JPJ director-general Datuk Rospiagus Taha.

“We will not take legal action because we are in the advocacy phase and at the same time, we also understand the constraints facing students who need to ride motorcycles to get to school. As for parents who allow their children to ride motorcycles or drive without a license, we will also focus on advocacy,” the JPJ director-general said.

He states that JPJ is hopeful about achieving the intended outcome of raising awareness of the value of driver's licenses through methodical, efficient, and well-planned advocacy.
Datuk Lokman Jamaan, JPJ's senior enforcement director, said on Nov 26 that during JPJ's nationwide 14-day operation, which ended on Friday (Nov 24), 23,748 notices were issued to road users for that offence and the majority of offenders were between the ages of 15 and 35.

Underage drivers in Malaysia face a minimum fine of RM300 and a maximum fine of RM2,000, as well as the possibility of up to three months in jail if found guilty.

However, Anthony Loke, the transport minister, told FMT on November 15 that his ministry will review fines for underage drivers under the Road Transport Act (APJ) 1987 because the current fine is deemed too lenient.