JPJ Set to Crack Down Illegal Car Rental Activities In Langkawi

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has issued a stern warning to the public with regards to the use of illegal rental vehicle services, particularly those prevalent in Langkawi. According to JPJ Director-General Aedy Fadly Ramli, the risks associated with unlicensed rental vehicles are too dangerous to ignore, emphasising that users are not insured in the event of accidents.

As one of the country’s top tourist destinations, Langkawi has a well-known culture of vehicle rentals, but it's imperative to act against those who bypass the legal process to get proper licences or permits. Based on reports recorded by the department, there are over 1,000 unlicensed rental vehicles on the island, predominantly cars.

JPJ is dedicated to keeping an eye on these illicit activities and carrying out routine operations. The escalation of grievances from regional taxi groups has led to a heightened implementation of these regulations.

Aedy also described JPJ's strategic objective, which is divided into four main areas: strengthening the department's service delivery; upholding strict enforcement; upgrading the department's reputation and integrity; and raising public knowledge and compliance with traffic laws.

"We plan to ramp up our enforcement activities," he stated. "For instance, we have recently started targeting tour buses and intend to extend our operations to inspect other vehicle types in the near future."

By prioritising these areas, JPJ aims to ensure safer and more compliant road usage across Langkawi and beyond.