A GROWING number of Malaysian motorcyclists are continuing to ride without valid driving licences, citing financial hardship and time constraints as key reasons – a trend that poses serious safety risks and has left many burdened with hefty fines.
Despite repeated warnings from authorities, some admit they have little choice but to break the law in order to earn a living.
Aiman, a 26-year-old computer sales assistant, confessed that he has been fined more than five times for riding without a licence but still rides his motorcycle daily to work due to the distance between his home and workplace.
“I’ve been caught several times, but I have to ride. I live far from work,” he told *Harian Metro*. “It’s not that I don’t want to get a licence, but after finishing school, I had no money. When I finally could afford it, I didn’t have the time.”
Another rider, Khairul, 28, a food stall assistant, said he used to hold a learner’s permit (L licence), but it lapsed in 2021 and was eventually revoked. He has since racked up thousands of ringgit in traffic fines, mostly for riding without a valid licence.
“I know it’s wrong, but I didn’t think it through back then,” he said. “Now, I need to ride to work, but to apply for a new licence, I have to settle the outstanding summonses first. That’s over RM1,000. A new B2 licence will cost me another RM600.”
Khairul said he earns around RM900 a month – occasionally up to RM1,000 if business is good – but that income barely covers his living expenses.
He acknowledged the risks involved in riding without a valid permit, but said he and many others feel trapped.
“There are kids who ride without licences just because they can, but for people like me who genuinely can’t afford it, what are we supposed to do?” he asked. “I hope that someday, if my financial situation improves, I can finally apply for a proper licence.”
While enforcement continues, the issue raises questions about the accessibility of the licensing process for low-income earners, and whether more flexible or subsidised schemes could help encourage legal compliance while improving overall road safety. - September 26, 2025
