UNLICENSED foreign drivers employed by companies to operate heavy vehicles on Malaysian roads have been likened to a “time bomb,” according to Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye of the Road Safety Council (MKJR).
He expressed full support for the Road Transport Department’s (JPJ) decisive action in seizing 25 refuse trucks driven by foreign nationals in Selangor recently.
“I fully support JPJ’s action through its Senior Enforcement Director in conducting strict enforcement against foreign lorry drivers who do not hold valid licences, road tax, or insurance,” he said in a statement on Friday.
Lee stressed that such efforts should be welcomed, highlighting the efficiency of JPJ in conducting joint operations with the Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) to address the widespread issue of foreign lorry drivers on the roads.
“It is high time that operators employing foreign drivers are brought to court to ensure road safety is protected,” he added.
The JPJ’s Senior Enforcement Director, Datuk Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan, had previously reported that 5,915 offences involving foreign lorry drivers had been recorded in Selangor since January.
These offences included driving without a valid licence, misusing work permits, and failing to maintain vehicles properly.
During the last ten days of the operation, 25 refuse trucks from the same company were impounded for employing unlicensed foreign drivers without road tax or insurance. - November 7, 2025
