538 motorcyclists in Petra Jaya get Class B2 licences under MyLesen programme

KUCHING (July 6): A total of 538 participants under the Driver’s Licence Assistance Programme (MyLesen) comprising the B40 group in the Petra Jaya Parliamentary constituency received their Class B2 probationary driving licences (PDL) after completing the programme today.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof presented the licenses at the programme’s closing ceremony held at Dewan Masjid Al Abyad in Taman Matang Jaya here.

In his speech, Fadillah highlighted that the MyLesen programme, organised by the Ministry of Transport Malaysia through the Road Transport Department (JPJ), is specifically targeted at the B40 group.

Since its introduction in 2023, the programme has benefitted 8,434 individuals across Sarawak.

“The number of road accidents in Malaysia is among the highest, making it crucial for vehicle users to obtain licenses. This ensures not only competence on the road but also overall safety,” he said.

Fadillah also shared alarming statistics from the police, revealing that Sarawak recorded 21,148 road accidents in 2023, a 9.8 per cent increase from 19,507 cases in 2022.

Road accident fatalities in Sarawak rose to 428 in 2023, up 11.7 per cent from 383 in 2022.

Motorcycle-related accidents saw 2,013 cases in 2023 compared to 1,740 in 2022, with fatalities including 198 riders and 33 pillion riders in 2023, compared to 176 riders and 27 pillion riders in 2022.

Meanwhile, JPJ Sarawak director Norizan Jili said through the MyLesen programme, each participant only needs to pay RM250 to obtain a Class B2 license.

It aims not only to assist them in getting licenses but also to produce competent drivers aware of road laws.

Norizan also advised motorcyclists to always follow road regulations, wear Sirim-certified helmets, avoid modifying their motorcycles, and keep side lights on.

Also present at the event were Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman and Satok assemblyman Dato Ibrahim Baki.