Unlicensed School Vans in Kelantan JPJ Warning

More than 1,000 private vans in Kelantan are suspected of operating illegally as school transport services without meeting public transport licensing, permit and safety requirements, raising concerns about the safety of schoolchildren. JPJ has already seized nine vans during an enforcement operation in Kota Bharu.

Key takeaways

• More than 1,000 private vans in Kelantan are suspected of transporting schoolchildren without meeting public transport requirements.
• Approximately 100 vans were detected operating in Kota Bharu, with most reportedly over 20 years old.
• JPJ seized nine private vans during an operation on November 5, 2026.
• Authorities issued 20 summons notices involving road tax-related offences.
• Parents should verify the licensing, insurance and safety condition of school transport vehicles.

More than 1,000 school vans suspected of operating illegally

According to Kelantan JPJ director Mohd Misuari Abdullah, more than 1,000 private vans across the state are believed to be providing school transportation services without complying with the requirements imposed on public transport vehicles.

Of this number, approximately 100 vans were detected operating around Kota Bharu alone. Most of these vehicles are reportedly more than 20 years old.

Authorities highlighted that private vehicles used commercially to transport schoolchildren must comply with established licensing and permit requirements, alongside technical and safety standards.

The issue raises concerns because parents rely on school transportation services to ensure their children travel safely between home and school.

JPJ enforcement operation in Kota Bharu

Following complaints from members of the public, Kelantan JPJ conducted an enforcement operation targeting public transport service vehicles around Kota Bharu on November 5, 2026.

During the operation, nine private vans were seized after authorities discovered that they were being used to transport schoolchildren without complying with the required regulations.

JPJ also issued 20 P22 summons notices involving the following offences:

• 18 cases involving misuse of Motor Vehicle Licences (LKM).
• Two cases involving expired Motor Vehicle Licences (LKM).

Additionally, nine seizure notices were issued under Section 64(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

In total, the operation recorded 29 enforcement actions.

Mohd Misuari stressed that enforcement activities were not simply intended to punish operators but were necessary to protect passengers, particularly schoolchildren.

Why unlicensed school vans are dangerous

School transportation requires more than simply having a vehicle and a driver. Vehicles carrying children commercially must meet the relevant licensing, technical and safety requirements.

Unlicensed operators may expose passengers to several potential risks, particularly when vehicles are poorly maintained or lack the necessary documentation.

1. Poor vehicle maintenance

Older vehicles that are not properly maintained may develop problems involving brakes, tyres, steering systems and other important components. These issues can increase the risk of accidents.

2. Lack of proper insurance coverage

Parents should establish whether a school transport operator has appropriate insurance coverage for its commercial passenger service. Ordinary private vehicle insurance should not automatically be assumed to cover commercial school transportation.

3. Overcrowding

Carrying more passengers than the permitted seating capacity can put children at risk. Overcrowding may prevent passengers from sitting securely and using appropriate seatbelts.

4. Missing licences and permits

Operating a commercial school transport service without the required approvals raises concerns about whether the vehicle and operator have undergone the necessary regulatory checks.

What parents should check before choosing a school van

Parents should not select a school transport service based on price or convenience alone. Checking the operator's documents and vehicle condition can help reduce unnecessary risks.

1. Verify the operator's licences and permits

Ask the operator to provide evidence of the relevant licences and permits required to operate a school transport service. If anything is unclear, seek confirmation from the relevant authorities.

2. Check the vehicle's insurance

Confirm that the vehicle has valid insurance appropriate for its commercial passenger transport activities. Do not assume that having ordinary vehicle insurance is sufficient.

3. Inspect the vehicle's condition

Check the tyres, brakes, lights, seatbelts, doors and general condition of the vehicle. A school van should be maintained properly rather than simply looking presentable from the outside.

4. Make sure the van is not overcrowded

Ask how many children will be travelling in the vehicle and ensure that the number does not exceed its approved seating capacity.

5. Get the driver's details

Parents should know who is responsible for transporting their children. Ask about the driver's relevant driving credentials, experience and arrangements for picking up and dropping off students.

What happens if school vans fail to meet requirements?

School transport operators who fail to comply with applicable regulations may face enforcement action by the authorities.

In Kelantan, JPJ has demonstrated that it is prepared to take action against vehicles being used for school transportation without meeting the necessary requirements.

Under the latest operation, nine vans were seized under Section 64(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, while 20 summons notices were issued for road tax-related offences.

These actions highlight the importance of ensuring that commercial school transport services operate with the appropriate documentation and meet the required safety standards.

Parents who suspect that a school transport operator is operating illegally should consider reporting their concerns to JPJ for further investigation.

Expert tip for parents

Common mistake parents should avoid

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many unlicensed school vans are suspected of operating in Kelantan?

More than 1,000 private vans in Kelantan are suspected of providing school transport services without meeting the required public transport regulations.

2. How many suspected unlicensed school vans were found in Kota Bharu?

Approximately 100 vans were detected operating around Kota Bharu, with most reportedly more than 20 years old.

3. How many school vans did JPJ seize in Kelantan?

JPJ seized nine private vans during an enforcement operation around Kota Bharu on November 5, 2026.

4. Why were the school vans seized?

The vans were seized after being found operating as school transport vehicles without complying with the required regulations.

5. What offences were recorded during the JPJ operation?

JPJ issued 20 summons notices, involving 18 cases of Motor Vehicle Licence misuse and two cases of expired Motor Vehicle Licences.

6. What law was used to seize the school vans?

The nine vans were seized under Section 64(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

7. Can private vans legally transport schoolchildren?

Private vans may be used for commercial school transportation if they comply with the relevant licensing, permit, technical and safety requirements.

8. What should parents check before hiring a school van?

Parents should check the operator's licences, permits, insurance coverage, vehicle condition, passenger capacity and driver's credentials.

9. Why is an old school van potentially dangerous?

An older van that has not been properly maintained may have mechanical problems involving its brakes, tyres and other safety components. Its age alone does not establish that it is unsafe, but its condition must be checked.

10. Where can parents report an unlicensed school van?

Parents can raise concerns about suspected unlicensed school transport services with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) for investigation.

Conclusion

The discovery of more than 1,000 suspected unlicensed school vans in Kelantan highlights an important concern about student transportation safety in Malaysia.

While affordable and convenient transport is important for families, the safety of children should never be compromised. School transport operators must comply with licensing, permit and vehicle safety requirements, while parents should take the time to verify the services they use.

For Malaysian drivers and vehicle owners, keeping up with road safety developments, traffic updates and vehicle-related matters is equally important.

Looking to manage your vehicle ownership more easily? Explore Motorist Malaysia for vehicle-related services and useful information to help you stay informed.

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