JPJ Targets Firms Hiring Unlicensed Foreign Drivers

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) is stepping up enforcement against companies and lorry operators that hire foreign drivers without valid licences. 

Working with the Immigration Department, JPJ will launch joint operations to crack down on employers who continue to break the law.

Its senior enforcement director Datuk Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan said the move follows repeated cases of unlicensed foreign lorry drivers especially garbage truck drivers being caught misusing work permits.

Some were even hired by cleaning companies linked to the Selangor government.

“From Jan to date, Selangor JPJ has detected 5,915 offences involving foreign drivers during operations targeting cleaning companies. 

Of that number, 2,170 summonses were issued for various offences, while 1,729 inspection notices, 1,620 vehicle prohibition notices, 154 interrogation notices, 138 seizure notices, and 104 notices requesting driver details were issued,” he told Bernama.

In the last 10 days alone, JPJ seized 25 garbage trucks from the same company, most were driven by unlicensed foreigners, had no valid road tax or insurance, and were poorly maintained.

Kifli also stated the current fine of RM300 to RM1,000 is too lenient to deter repeat offenders. 

"For the 25 lorries seized, JPJ will take action to revoke their permits under the Land Public Transport Act (APAD). However, this action alone is insufficient, as companies hiring illegal drivers are not directly penalised,” he added.

Kilfi further noted that most of the workers involved had misused their work permits, and all 25 cases have been referred to the Immigration Department for further action.

Last month, JPJ also seized 22 garbage trucks from KDEB Waste Management after one of its unlicensed drivers crashed into a toll plaza on the LDP and fled the scene.