Malaysia: Rohingya using private cars for school runs, work

The Terengganu Road Transport Department (JPJ) has identified a concerning trend: Rohingya refugees are using private vehicles to ferry children to school and conduct daily work. This practice came to light during the Foreigner Enforcement Operation (Ops PEWA) conducted across the state since June 1.

JPJ Terengganu Director Mohd. Zamri Samion expressed alarm, noting that many of these individuals drive without competent driving licenses (CDL), valid road tax (LKM), or insurance. "We found some using vehicles for contracting work and others as school transporters. Once they have access to vehicles, they move freely on village roads, in towns, and on main routes, increasing accident risks for other road users," he stated.

During Ops PEWA, 114 vehicles were seized and 559 summonses issued. The majority of those penalized, 93 individuals, were Myanmar or Rohingya nationals. The most common offense was driving without a CDL, with 221 cases recorded, followed by expired road tax and lack of insurance, each with 84 cases.

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We found some using vehicles for contracting work and others as school transporters. Once they have access to vehicles, they move freely on village roads, in towns, and on main routes, increasing accident risks for other road users.

Investigations suggest these vehicles are often rented or borrowed from locals. Mohd. Zamri highlighted a troubling ecosystem where some Malaysians allegedly rent out vehicles to foreigners, enabling them to drive without proper documentation. "We see this as a destructive road safety ecosystem. Vehicle owners cannot escape responsibility as they indirectly allow foreigners to use the roads without valid documents," he warned.

JPJ is now exploring stricter legal actions, including court proceedings, against vehicle owners under Sections 23(1) and 90(1) of the relevant act.

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We see this as a destructive road safety ecosystem. Vehicle owners cannot escape responsibility as they indirectly allow foreigners to use the roads without valid documents.