KL RTD Seizes 58 Vehicles In Ops Against Illegal Foreign Drivers

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 20 (Bernama) -- The Kuala Lumpur Road Transport Department (RTD) seized 58 vehicles during Ops Pemandu Warga Asing (PEWA) conducted around Wangsa Maju, Setapak and Gombak today.

Director Hamidi Adam said the operation, carried out from 9am to 2pm with the Operations and Falcon units, targeted foreigners driving without licences or proper documentation.

“They were found committing various offences, including driving without a licence and insurance coverage. Some attempted to flee but were successfully detained for further action,” he told a press conference at Wangsa Maju RTD.

The operation also uncovered a tactic where foreigners purchased vehicles from locals without legally transferring ownership in the system to circumvent regulations.

“When we checked, these vehicles were still registered under the local owners. Legal action will also be taken against them,” Hamidi said.

A total of 58 foreign drivers were detected, comprising 15 Pakistanis, 13 Indians, 11 Indonesians, 10 Bangladeshis, eight Myanmars and one Palestinian. Most were involved in scrap collection, while others operated small businesses.

During the operation, 323 vehicles were inspected and 283 summonses issued for various offences.

Hamidi also issued a stern warning to contractors using foreign workers as garbage truck drivers in violation of regulations, noting that five garbage trucks were seized today.

All vehicles were seized under Section 64(1), while summonses were issued under Sections 23(1), 23(2) and 90(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. PEWA-related vehicle seizures have also declined to 376 last year from 586 in 2024.

-- BERNAMA