JPJ seizes garbage truck driven by unlicensed foreigner in Kuching

KUCHING (Feb 6): The Road Transport Department (JPJ) seized a garbage truck here on Thursday after discovering it was driven by a foreign citizen who did not have a valid driving licence or vocational licence.

In a Facebook post today, JPJ Sarawak said the discovery was made during a joint operation under Ops Pemandu Warga Asing (Pewa) and Ops Gempur Kenderaan Perdagangan.

“Further inspection revealed that the vehicle’s road tax and insurance coverage had also expired, constituting a serious offence under the existing legal provisions,” said JPJ Sarawak.

The department said it has intensified enforcement against unlicensed foreign drivers operating commercial vehicles around Kuching and Kota Samarahan, amid growing concerns over road safety and regulatory compliance.

It said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with road laws remains at the highest level.

Additionally, JPJ Sarawak warned that enforcement will not only focus on drivers, but also on company owners and operators who fail to exercise due diligence.

“Only qualified and licensed drivers are allowed to operate commercial vehicles.

“Failure to comply with the regulations will result in strict action being taken without compromise,” it reminded.