MyLesen scheme targets 1,000 students in Miri

MIRI (March 12): At least 1,000 students in Miri District will benefit from the MyLesen programme this year, which offers subsidised motorcycle licences to promote safe and legal riding among youths.

Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the programme, introduced two years ago, has received a positive response and helped address the issue of students riding motorcycles to school without valid licences.

He said this during a press conference after chairing a meeting with the Road Transport Department (JPJ), police, Miri District Office, and the Miri Education Office on Tuesday.

Lee said many students had previously travelled to school on motorcycles without valid licences and often failed to comply with safety regulations such as wearing helmets.

“Normally the full cost of obtaining a motorcycle licence is about RM750. Under this programme, students only need to pay RM250, which means they receive a subsidy of RM500,” he said.

The Senadin assemblyman said applications for the programme opened on March 11, with 1,000 slots already approved.

The application forms will be distributed to all secondary schools in the district through the Education Department.

He added that school principals will identify eligible students aged 16 and above who use motorcycles to commute to school.

Once the completed forms are collected, they will be submitted to JPJ Miri, which will act as the secretariat for the programme.

Lee said the programme will be implemented in collaboration with Institut Memandu City Miri, the Sarawak Transport Ministry, and the Sarawak Road Safety Council.

Participants will undergo training, attend classes and sit for the required tests before receiving their licences upon passing.

“The programme will run for about three months, with the practical driving tests expected to take place in June,” he said, adding that a closing ceremony would likely be held at the end of the programme.

“We want the recipients of the MyLesen licences to become good role models and responsible road users,” he said.

Lee said if there are remaining slots, they may be opened to the public, potentially increasing the total number of participants to 2,000 slots in the Miri district.

Also present at the press conference was Sarawak JPJ director Norizan Jili.