JPJ Steps Up Crackdown On Thai Roktu Vans In Kelantan

The Kelantan Road Transport Department (JPJ) is ramping up checks on Thai private vans, commonly known as roktu, which are expected to flood into Malaysia during the school holidays.

State JPJ director Mohd Misuari Abdullah said the focus will be on vehicles misusing International Circulation Permits (ICP), including private vans carrying passengers for tourism without proper licences.

“Peak season is during school holidays, especially festive periods. In one past operation, we detained 23 roktu in just a single day and issued summonses for various offences,” he said.

Investigations showed many of the vehicles were not operated by registered companies but by private owners. 

“Sometimes, the passengers even claim to be relatives to avoid action,” Misuari added.

He said JPJ will intensify enforcement and work closely with the Kelantan branch of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) to address the problem.

Besides regular roadblocks at the Rantau Panjang ICQS, enforcement teams are also monitoring Bukit Bunga ICQS in Tanah Merah, which has become another popular route for these vans.

Photo: Harian Metro.

Misuari also confirmed that Ops Tunggak, launched earlier this year to crack down on traffic offenders with outstanding summonses, is still ongoing. 

"In the latest operation, two roktu were seized in August for ICP misuse," he stated.