RM50 Car Rentals to Rohingya Trigger Charges for Owners

Vehicle Rental to Rohingya: Legal Case in Kelantan

Thirty-four vehicle owners in Kelantan, Malaysia, have been charged in court for renting vehicles to Rohingya nationals who did not hold valid driving licences, with rental rates as low as RM50 per month. This enforcement action, led by the Kelantan Road Transport Department (JPJ), targets vehicle owners who allow unlicensed individuals to use their vehicles, a practice identified as prevalent among the Rohingya community in the state. The cases, recorded up to June 2026, have resulted in total fines of RM34,000, highlighting the government's commitment to road safety and legal compliance for all road users, including foreign nationals.

This issue is directly relevant to Malaysian vehicle owners, particularly those in states bordering other countries, as it clarifies the legal consequences of renting or lending vehicles to individuals without a valid Malaysian Competent Driving License (CDL). The JPJ's actions serve as a warning against seeking profit from vehicle rentals without verifying the renter's legal right to drive.

Key Facts

This data is based on the provided source material from JPJ Kelantan. For the most current legal information, consult official JPJ channels.

What is the Legal Basis for Charging Vehicle Owners?

Under Malaysian law, vehicle owners can be prosecuted for allowing unlicensed individuals to drive their vehicles. According to the source, the charges against the 34 owners fall under Section 23(2) of the Road Transport Act 1987. Vehicle owners who rent or lend their vehicles to individuals without a valid Competent Driving License (CDL) can be charged under Section 23(2) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

JPJ Kelantan's Director, Mohd Misuari Abdullah, stated:

"Kenderaan juga akan disita serta-merta jika didapati terbabit dalam kesalahan. Kami menggesa orang ramai tidak hanya mengejar keuntungan daripada sewaan kenderaan kerana tindakan tegas terus diambil bagi memastikan keselamatan semua pengguna jalan raya."

Mohd Misuari Abdullah, Director of JPJ Kelantan, in a statement reported by Berita Harian via Careta

This action demonstrates that enforcement is not solely targeted at the unlicensed driver but also at the owner who enables the offence, emphasising shared responsibility for road safety.

What is the Scale of the Enforcement Operation (Ops PeWA)?

Ops PeWA is a dedicated enforcement operation conducted by JPJ Kelantan from January to June 2026 to address traffic offences involving foreign nationals. The operation led to the inspection of 180 vehicles, the seizure of 105 vehicles, and the issuance of 201 notices for a total of 439 offences.

The breakdown of offences recorded during Ops PeWA includes:

• Driving without a Competent Driving License (CDL): 210 cases, the highest offence category.
• Misuse of Motor Vehicle License (LKM): 105 cases.
• Other traffic offences resulting in notices: Remaining cases from the total of 439.

This data shows the enforcement focus is on unlicensed driving and improper vehicle licensing among foreign nationals. The broader enforcement effort during this period saw a total of 576 vehicles inspected, 457 seized, and 908 summonses issued.

Why Are Rohingya Nationals Involved in This Case?

The report identifies that 85% of foreign national offenders detected during Ops PeWA were Rohingya. According to JPJ Kelantan, 85% of foreign offenders detected during Ops PeWA from January to June 2026 were Rohingya nationals.

JPJ Kelantan previously identified a tactic where Rohingya individuals did not purchase their own vehicles but instead rented them from local residents for daily use. The rented vehicles ranged from standard models to luxury models, with rental rates between RM50 and RM500 per month. This practice indicates a deliberate circumvention of vehicle ownership and licensing requirements, which the JPJ is actively countering.

Who is This Enforcement Action For in Malaysia?

This enforcement action is a critical guide for all vehicle owners in Malaysia, particularly those who may consider renting out their private vehicles for supplementary income. This action serves as a legal precedent for Malaysian vehicle owners, clarifying that renting vehicles to individuals without valid driving licenses carries severe legal penalties, including fines and vehicle seizure.

The JPJ's message is clear for Malaysian users: the financial benefit from vehicle rental does not outweigh the legal and safety risks. This enforcement is especially relevant for vehicle owners in states with higher populations of foreign nationals, where such informal rental arrangements may be more common. The legal requirement is unambiguous: all drivers, regardless of nationality, must hold a valid CDL to operate a vehicle in Malaysia.

Common Questions

Can I be charged for lending my car to a friend without a license?

Yes. Under Section 23(2) of the Road Transport Act 1987, you can be charged for allowing an unlicensed individual to drive your vehicle. The penalties include fines and the immediate seizure of your vehicle.

What is the penalty for renting a car to a Rohingya refugee?

The penalty is not just a fine; you will face legal prosecution. In the 34 cases reported, total fines were RM34,000. Your vehicle will also be seized immediately if found involved in an offence.

What is a CDL (Competent Driving License)?

A CDL, or Lesen Memandu Kompeten, is the valid Malaysian driving license required to drive legally. The highest number of offences recorded during Ops PeWA was for driving without a CDL, with 210 cases.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based exclusively on the provided source material from Careta, which cites a report from Berita Harian. The information was taken from an article published on 31-08-2026, covering a statement by the Director of JPJ Kelantan, Mohd Misuari Abdullah.

The original source was in Malay (Bahasa Malaysia). All facts, figures, and quotes have been translated into English for this article. Monetary values were already in Ringgit Malaysia (RM) and are reported as such. No currency conversion was required.

This article was last updated on the date of processing. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the source article by Careta. For official and updated legal information, readers are advised to consult the official JPJ website or legal counsel.