Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook yesterday (5 August) clarified that the digital driving licence initiative introduced by his Ministry back in February is only valid within our country and not overseas.
This is because when Malaysians are driving overseas, there are subject to laws in that country and Malaysia has no power to make them accept our digital licence’s implementation.
Transport Minister, Anthony Loke Siew Fook
As reported by BERNAMA, Loke commented on the matter following a viral post on Twitter which showed two Malaysians being issued fines in Thailand after riding motorcycles in the country without having a physical licence with them.
The duo tried to clarify to the Thai police officer that Malaysia now implements a digital driving licence and that having a physical driving licence is now only optional in our country.
For illustration purposes
However, the police officer refused to accept their digital driving licence on the MyJPJ application and issued fines to the two Malaysians in the form of summonses.
For reference, Malaysians do not need an international driving licence to drive in other ASEAN countries such as Thailand. In fact, all citizens of an ASEAN country can go to another ASEAN country and use their country’s own driving licence to drive.
The issue that the duo faced was that they don’t have a physical driving licence with them, which is required by Thai laws.
The 2 Malaysians who were summoned in Thailand
Speaking to reporters in Georgetown, Penang yesterday, the Transport Minister further explained that the digital licence is only valid in this country and the ministry has no authority to determine how laws in other countries are enforced.
He added that the Road Transport Department (JPJ) has not stopped the issuance of physical copies of driving licences, so if they want to drive in a country that requires a physical licence then they can apply for it at JPJ counters when renewing their licence.
So, what do you guys think of the whole situation? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Also read: PDRM: Up to 5-Year Jail & RM15,000 Fine Await Those Who Race or Drive in Zig-Zag Manner on the Road
