JPJ Denies Rohingya Driving License Claim
JPJ Denies Rohingya Driving License Claim: Official Statement and Facts
The core entity in this update is the official denial issued by Malaysia's Road Transport Department (JPJ) regarding a viral Facebook post that falsely claimed ethnic Rohingyas would be allowed to apply for Malaysian driving licenses. JPJ has formally refuted the claim, confirmed that Rohingyas are not eligible for lesen, and has lodged a report with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for further investigation. This news item is relevant to Malaysian motorists, vehicle owners, and the general public as it addresses misinformation circulating on social media platforms regarding refugee licensing policies.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| News Date | 24 September 2026 |
| Core Entity | Road Transport Department (JPJ) Malaysia |
| Allegation | JPJ 'Cadang Benarkan Rohingya Ambil Lesen Memandu' (JPJ suggests allowing Rohingya to take driving license) |
| Origin of Claim | Facebook post by user 'Along Auto Parts' |
| Official Response | Total denial; report lodged with MCMC |
| Regulatory Compliance | Reported to Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) |
| Eligibility Status | Rohingyas (UNHCR cardholders) are not eligible for Malaysian driving licenses (per JPJ's prior statement on 25 June 2026) |
Is It True That JPJ Is Considering Letting Rohingyas Apply for Driving Licenses?
No, this claim is categorically false and has been denied by JPJ. The viral Facebook post is fake news. JPJ issued a formal statement on 24 September 2026, stating it takes seriously any party that produces or spreads content using its name or image to the point of confusing the community and affecting the department's credibility. The department has already made a report to the MCMC to allow for investigations and appropriate action regarding the spread of this content. The public is advised not to spread information whose authenticity cannot be ascertained.
"JPJ takes seriously the actions of any party that produces, modifies or spreads content using the name, identity or image of the department till it confuses the community and affects the credibility of JPJ."
Statement by the Road Transport Department (JPJ), 24 September 2026
What Did JPJ Officially Say About the Viral Facebook Post?
In its official statement, JPJ denied the claim that it is considering allowing Rohingyas to apply for driving licenses. The department has formally reported the matter to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for investigation. The Facebook post, which originated from a user named Along Auto Parts, was designed to look like a news graphic, complete with 'Breaking News' labels and images of JPJ officials in what appears to be a press conference. It used hashtags including #rohingya, #isuterkini, #jpj, and #trending to boost its visibility.
Why Are Rohingyas Not Eligible for Malaysian Driving Licenses?
Rohingyas are not eligible for Malaysian driving licenses due to their status as refugees. This is based on JPJ's prior official position dated 25 June 2026. Beyond this, JPJ has also taken enforcement action: they have arrested foreigners driving without a lesen, and in September 2026, they brought 34 local vehicle owners in Kelantan to court for renting vehicles to Rohingyas who do not have valid driving licenses. This enforcement history supports JPJ's consistent application of the law regarding refugee status and license eligibility.
Who Is This For in Malaysia?
This update is intended for all Malaysian road users, vehicle owners, and the general public who may encounter viral misinformation about driving regulations on social media. Specifically, it serves as a cautionary notice for vehicle owners, particularly in states like Kelantan, where JPJ has previously taken legal action against 34 locals who rented vehicles to Rohingyas without valid licenses. In the Malaysian digital landscape, where social media content can spread rapidly across WhatsApp, Facebook, and TikTok, this official denial helps clarify the legal boundaries for citizens and protects the credibility of government institutions. The official channels for accurate information remain JPJ's verified website and social media accounts.
What Are the Consequences for Spreading Fake News About JPJ?
The consequences for producing or spreading fake news about JPJ can involve investigation by the MCMC. JPJ has already lodged a report with the MCMC to allow for investigations and appropriate action to be taken regarding the spread of the content. Under Malaysian law, the MCMC has the authority to investigate content that violates the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. The public is strongly advised to verify any news related to JPJ through official channels and to refrain from further sharing unverified information, as this may attract legal scrutiny or contribute to public confusion.
Common Questions
Is the viral Facebook post about Rohingya driving licenses real?
No, the viral Facebook post by Along Auto Parts is fake news. JPJ issued a formal denial on 24 September 2026, confirming that it is not considering allowing Rohingyas to apply for driving licenses and has referred the matter to MCMC for investigation.
Where can I check official JPJ announcements?
To verify any JPJ-related news, always refer to the department's official channels, including its official website and verified social media accounts. JPJ explicitly advised the public not to spread information whose authenticity cannot be ascertained and to rely on official sources for accurate information.
Can UNHCR cardholders get a driving license in Malaysia?
No, according to JPJ's statement from 25 June 2026, ethnic Rohingyas are not eligible for Malaysian driving licenses due to their status as refugees. JPJ has consistently enforced this rule, including taking legal action against 34 vehicle owners in Kelantan who rented vehicles to Rohingyas without valid licenses.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on a single primary source: the official report published by Paul Tan's Automotive News on 24 September 2026, titled "JPJ denies claim that it's considering letting Rohingyas apply for driving license – viral FB post is fake news."
All claims, quotes, and dates are drawn directly from this article. No statistics were invented, and no external data was synthesised. The official statement quoted is attributed to the Road Transport Department (JPJ). Currency conversion was not required as no financial figures are referenced in the source material. Localisation for Malaysia includes references to the MCMC, UNHCR cardholder status, and enforcement actions in states such as Kelantan.
This article was last updated on 24 September 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the JPJ official statement as reported by Paul Tan's Automotive News.