‘Stubborn’ UNHCR Cardholder Caught Driving Same Car Illegally in Kedah for Second Time, JPJ Seizes Vehicle

A driver in Kedah has been issued a fresh summons by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) after committing the same offence twice, despite having been fined previously.

In a Facebook post, JPJ stated that the driver was caught operating a Proton Persona without a valid licence during a routine Ops Harian (Daily Operation) in Langkawi.

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Licence and legal status

Further checks revealed that the driver is a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cardholder and is not legally permitted to drive in Malaysia.

Investigations also confirmed that the same individual and vehicle had previously been fined and seized for a similar offence.

Strict enforcement and vehicle seizure

Due to the repeated nature of the offence, strict action was taken, with summonses issued to both the driver and the vehicle owner. The car was seized under Section 64(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

“The vehicle is currently being held at the JPJ Langkawi Vehicle Seizure Depot for further action. The JPJ stressed that stricter legal action will be taken against repeat offenders who continue to disregard regulations,” the post read.

Public reactions

Meanwhile, netizens have questioned why such stringent measures were only taken after the driver reoffended, rather than following the initial violation.

“Do we really have to wait for someone to repeat the offence before the vehicle gets seized? Seriously. Back when the first summons was issued, it was clear the driver had no licence, yet the fine just went through. Where’s the logic in that?”

“Only after repeated offences did they finally seize it?”

“It should be simple, no offence should be repeated. Seize the vehicle if a foreigner is unlicensed, if we have any sense of dignity. Otherwise, if there’s an accident, ordinary citizens could suffer for no reason. Live with dignity.”

“Just seize the vehicle already if it’s been caught so many times. Give the owner a jail term too; fines alone won’t make them learn.”

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments!

Also read: Salesperson without Driving Licence Drives Plateless Car to Register It at PUSPAKOM, Gets Vehicle Seized