A 13-year-old boy was detained by the Road Transport Department Malaysia (JPJ) after he was found driving a vehicle despite being underage during an enforcement operation in Kulim, Kedah, on Thursday (5 March).
The teenager reportedly told officers he was driving to take his sick father somewhere. However, the explanation did not exempt him from action under road traffic laws.
According to JPJ, the boy was stopped by officers from the Sungai Petani branch at about 12:45 PM along Jalan Sungai Seluang in Kulim during an enforcement operation.
Further checks revealed that the teenager did not have a valid driving licence as he had not reached the minimum legal driving age. As such, the act constitutes an offence under Section 39(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which prohibits individuals from driving without a valid licence.
Authorities emphasised that legal action can be taken not only against the underage driver but also against individuals who allow their vehicles to be used by someone who is not legally permitted to drive.
JPJ reminded the public that allowing underage individuals to operate vehicles is a serious offence and poses significant safety risks to other road users. The department urged parents and vehicle owners to take greater responsibility by ensuring that only qualified and licensed individuals are allowed to drive.
Officials also stressed that enforcement operations will continue to be carried out to curb traffic violations and ensure road safety.
In a statement issued yesterday (6 March), JPJ added that members of the public are advised to comply with traffic regulations and refrain from allowing individuals who are not legally eligible to drive to operate vehicles, as such actions could endanger both the driver and other road users.
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