Sidi Finally Gets Motorcycle Licence After Waiting For More Than 20 Years

KUCHING, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- After waiting for more than 20 years, fisherman Sidi Kamis, 63, from Kampung Semariang Batu, finally obtained his Class B2 motorcycle licence through the Driving Licence Assistance Programme.

Making the occasion even more meaningful, the licence was personally presented by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, who is also Santubong MP, at the Santubong Parliamentary B2 Driving Licence Assistance Programme presentation ceremony here today.

“Previously, I rode a motorcycle without a licence to go to the jetty or mosque. I had wanted to get a licence for a long time, but financial constraints caused it to be postponed.

“I also thought a licence was not that important because I only travelled within the village. Now, I realise that I was wrong,” he told Bernama when met at the ceremony, which was also attended by Sarawak Road Transport Department (JPJ) director Norizan Jili.

Sidi said he realised the importance of having a licence after seeing an advertisement for the Driving Licence Assistance Programme on television, prompting him to take the opportunity to participate.

“I am very grateful to finally have a licence and now feel more confident riding a motorcycle on the road, especially in terms of safety.

“I am grateful to the government for providing this programme, which has helped ease the burden on the people, particularly those from the lower-income group,” he said.

He also encouraged those who do not yet have a motorcycle licence to take advantage of the programme if they are eligible, for their safety and to ensure compliance with road regulations.

Meanwhile, Norizan said a total of 32,455 participants obtained Class B2 motorcycle licences through programmes organised by Members of Parliament and State Legislative Assembly (ADUN) representatives in Sarawak from 2024 to Aug 22, 2026.

He said the quota could be increased if applications exceeded the stipulated allocation, while the programme had also been expanded to rural areas in addition to urban and coastal areas.

-- BERNAMA