JPJ Selangor tightens checks after 34 vehicles seized in Selayang

The Selangor Road Transport Department, commonly known as JPJ Selangor, has intensified enforcement against foreign motorists who drive without valid licences, as well as vehicle owners who allow them to do so. During a joint operation in Selayang on July 29, 2026, enforcement officers inspected 126 vehicles and seized 34 vehicles. The vehicles consisted of 12 motorcycles, 11 three-wheeled motorcycles, six cars and five lorries.

The operation began at 6.30am and involved 55 JPJ officers and personnel, supported by 25 officers from the Selayang Municipal Council. The vehicles were seized under Section 64 of the Road Transport Act 1987. 

Why did JPJ Selangor seize the vehicles?

The operation focused on foreign motorists who were believed to be driving vehicles without licences that were valid and recognised for use in Malaysia.

According to Selangor JPJ, the seized vehicles will remain impounded while the cases proceed through the legal process. The department also indicated that vehicle owners involved in the cases would not be offered compounds, with the matters expected to be brought before the court. 

Section 64 of the Road Transport Act gives authorised officers the power to seize a vehicle when it is being used in violation of the Act or when seizure is necessary to prevent an offence from continuing. A seized vehicle may be taken to a secure location and held until it is released by the relevant authority.

This means the consequences may extend beyond receiving a traffic notice. Owners could temporarily lose access to their vehicles and may need to wait until court proceedings or other legal requirements have been completed.

Foreign motorists are not automatically prohibited from driving

The enforcement operation does not mean that all foreign nationals are prohibited from driving in Malaysia. Under Section 26 of the Road Transport Act 1987, anyone driving on a public road must hold a driving licence that authorises the person to operate that particular class of vehicle. The same provision also prohibits an owner, employer or another party from allowing someone to drive without the appropriate licence.

A person convicted of violating this section may face a fine of between RM300 and RM2,000, imprisonment for up to three months, or both. The final punishment in an individual case is determined by the court.

Malaysia may also recognise certain foreign driving licences. Section 28 provides recognition for licences issued by countries covered by an applicable treaty with Malaysia, provided the licence remains valid in the issuing country. Motorists should therefore confirm whether their licence is recognised and whether it covers the correct vehicle category before driving.

Vehicle owners may also face legal action

One of the most important messages from the Selayang operation is that enforcement is not limited to the person behind the wheel.

Investigations reportedly found that some foreign motorists were renting motorcycles from local owners for business activities such as selling food, collecting recyclable materials or transporting goods. Rental payments could reach RM100 per day, depending on the agreement between the rider and the vehicle owner. 

JPJ warned that owners who knowingly allow people without valid licences to use their vehicles may also be investigated and prosecuted. The registered owner cannot assume that all responsibility belongs to the driver.

Before lending, renting or assigning a vehicle to another person, the owner should verify the driver’s identity, licence status and authorised vehicle class. Employers should conduct the same checks before allowing workers to operate company cars, motorcycles, vans or lorries.

Owners should also ensure that the vehicle has valid road tax, insurance and any permits required for its intended use. A private vehicle should not be used for commercial activities when additional approvals or licence categories are required.

Ops PEWA enforcement is continuing

The Selayang action forms part of a wider enforcement effort involving Ops Pemandu Warga Asing, also known as Ops PEWA.

In February 2026, an integrated operation in Balakong recorded offences involving the absence of valid vocational licences, competent driving licences and motor vehicle licences. JPJ issued 47 enforcement notices, while the Immigration Department detained 13 foreign nationals for further action. 

These operations show that JPJ is examining both driver documentation and the actions of vehicle owners or employers. Similar checks may continue in locations where unlicensed driving or the unlawful use of commercial vehicles is suspected.

For road users, the central requirement remains straightforward. Every person driving in Malaysia must hold a licence that is valid, recognised and suitable for the vehicle being operated.

FAQ

1. Can a foreigner legally drive in Malaysia?
A foreign national may drive in Malaysia when holding a valid licence recognised under Malaysian law and authorised for the correct vehicle class. The requirements can depend on the issuing country, the person’s residency status and the period spent in Malaysia.

2. Can JPJ seize a vehicle driven without a valid licence?
JPJ may seize a vehicle under Section 64 of the Road Transport Act when it is being used in violation of the Act or when seizure is needed to prevent the offence from continuing.

3. Can the vehicle owner be charged?
Yes. Section 26 prohibits a person from employing or allowing someone to drive unless that driver holds the appropriate licence. Owners and employers should verify the driver’s documents before handing over a vehicle.

4. What happened to the 34 vehicles seized in Selayang?
JPJ reported that the vehicles would remain impounded while the cases underwent court proceedings. The seized vehicles included motorcycles, three-wheeled motorcycles, cars and lorries.

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