KUALA LUMPUR – The financial crisis sparked by the Covid-19 pandemic in the country has opened the opportunity for “lesen terbang” syndicates to re-emerge and take root.
A recent check by Getaran revealed that such syndicates are becoming more brazen, peddling their services for “lesen terbang”, or driving licences obtained through corrupt means, via social media.
It is learnt that many members of the public have been enticed to take up the syndicate’s offer, given its significantly cheaper fees compared with legitimate driving schools.
The syndicate uses the same modus operandi via social media as it would in person, that is, by offering the licences without having to take driving classes or passing tests, as required by the Road Transport Department (RTD).
Interested parties need only provide photos, documents, and personal information as well as pay a fee, before receiving the black market driver’s licence within three to five days.
The syndicate also claims that the licences are valid and that the customer's information will be registered into RTD’s system to facilitate the renewal of the document after its expiration date.
The scheme was uncovered by a Getaran journalist, who recently posed as a buyer before proceeding to contact the numbers listed on the ad, which had been posted on a social media site, before the conversation continued via WhatsApp.
Claiming to act as a middleman to an accredited driving agency, the syndicate member assured the reporter that its online operations were legal.
The individual involved also claimed that the licence would clear any checks by the authorities, including traffic police and the RTD.
For as low as RM350, customers, he said, one can acquire a B2 motorcycle licence, while RM550 can get one a B Full category licence.
“For a manual car licence (DM), the price is only RM900 and RM950 for an auto car licence (DA).”
Meanwhile, a RTD source told Getaran that the sale of such licences remains illegal.
“People who receive offers like this need to report it to the authorities immediately.
“Any business transacted between the said parties is against the law.”
He said complaints can be filed to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to enable their advertisements or social media accounts to be blocked immediately.
“We hope the public does not easily believe in such offers and immediately contacts the nearest RTD office for verification.”
Complaints regarding such syndicates can also be directed to the Transport Ministry’s Integrity Unit or by calling 03-8315 9200 or faxing 03-8315 9300. – The Vibes, March 26, 2021
