Rohingya Man Caught Driving Honda Civic Without License

JPJ Seizes Honda Civic Type R Driven by Rohingya Man Without a Valid License in Kuala Lumpur

The core entity in this report is a law enforcement operation by Malaysia's Road Transport Department (JPJ), specifically the Operasi Khas Luxury (Special Luxury Operation), which led to the seizure of a Honda Civic Type R (FL5) driven by a Rohingya man without a valid driving license. The operation, conducted by JPJ Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur (JPJ WPKL), targets high-value vehicles to enforce compliance with the Road Transport Act 1987 (Akta 333). This incident is relevant to Malaysian motorists as it highlights the legal consequences of driving luxury vehicles without proper documentation, including immediate vehicle seizure and compound notices.

According to JPJ WPKL Director Hamidi Adam, the vehicle was stopped at the Setiawangsa-Pantai Expressway (SPE) toll plaza on Friday, 28 August 2026, while travelling in a convoy towards Genting Highlands. The driver, who claimed to be an employee of the vehicle's owner, was found to have no valid driving license. The owner was reportedly driving a Nissan GT-R in the same convoy and had permitted the man to drive the Honda Civic Type R.

Key Facts

This section provides the verified statistics and legal parameters from the JPJ WPKL operation, as reported by SinarHarian via Careta. All figures are derived directly from the source material.

JPJ WPKL seized 23 vehicles and issued 96 notices during a three-day special operation targeting luxury vehicles in Kuala Lumpur.

What Happened During the JPJ Luxury Vehicle Operation?

The JPJ WPKL's Operasi Khas Luxury intercepted a convoy of high-performance vehicles at the SPE toll plaza. The Honda Civic Type R was stopped because it was part of a convoy heading to Genting Highlands, a popular destination for car enthusiasts. Upon inspection, the driver, a Rohingya man, could not produce a valid Competent Driving License (CDL), leading to the immediate seizure of the vehicle under Section 64(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

Hamidi Adam stated that the driver claimed to be an employee of the car's owner, who was driving a Nissan GT-R in the same convoy. The owner had allegedly given permission for the man to drive the Civic Type R. This case underscores that vehicle owners can face significant liability if they allow unlicensed individuals to operate their vehicles, as the vehicle itself is subject to seizure regardless of ownership.

"Hasil pemeriksaan mendapati pemandu terbabit tidak memiliki lesen memandu yang sah, kita mengambil tindakan sitaan terhadap kenderaan berkenaan mengikut peruntukan undang-undang."

— Hamidi Adam, Director of JPJ WPKL, as reported by SinarHarian

Driving without a valid license in Malaysia results in immediate vehicle seizure under Section 64(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, with no exception for luxury or high-value cars.

What Are the Penalties and Legal Consequences Under Akta 333?

Under the Road Transport Act 1987 (Akta 333), driving without a valid license and operating a vehicle without insurance are serious offences. The JPJ's enforcement data from this operation shows that expired vehicle licenses (LKM) were the most common offence, accounting for 39 of the 96 notices issued. The second most common was lack of insurance coverage, with 30 cases, followed by 3 cases of driving without a CDL.

For the entire year up to 28 August 2026, JPJ WPKL has issued 572 total notices under Operasi Khas Luxury. This includes 393 P22 notices (for various offences) and 179 seizure notices under Section 64(1). The breakdown of the 393 P22 notices is: 209 cases of expired LKM, 158 cases of no insurance, 21 cases of no CDL, and 5 cases of other offences. These figures demonstrate the scale of non-compliance among luxury vehicle owners in Kuala Lumpur.

In 2026, JPJ WPKL has issued 572 notices and seized 179 vehicles in the Operasi Khas Luxury, with expired road tax being the most common violation at 209 cases.

Which Other Vehicles Were Seized in This Operation?

The JPJ operation was not limited to the Honda Civic Type R. A total of 23 vehicles were seized over the three-day period for various offences under Akta 333. The list of impounded vehicles includes several high-value marques, indicating that enforcement targets all segments of the luxury car market in Malaysia.

• Honda Civic Type R (FL5)
• Ferrari F8
• Porsche Macan
• Land Rover Range Rover Sport
• BMW
• Mercedes-Benz
• Audi
• Volvo
• Toyota Alphard
• Nissan GT-R (driven by the owner in the convoy, not reported as seized)

The JPJ WPKL operation seized 23 vehicles including a Ferrari F8, Porsche Macan, and Land Rover Range Rover Sport, demonstrating that no luxury brand is exempt from Malaysian road law enforcement.

Who Is This Enforcement Action For in Malaysia?

This enforcement action is directly relevant to all Malaysian vehicle owners, particularly those who own or operate high-performance and luxury vehicles. The JPJ's focus on "Luxury" operations targets a specific demographic: owners of vehicles typically priced above RM200,000, including sports cars and premium SUVs. For these owners, the risk of seizure is a critical concern, especially when allowing employees or friends to drive their vehicles.

For the broader Malaysian public, this operation serves as a reminder that road tax (LKM) expiry and lapsed insurance are serious offences. The data shows that 209 cases of expired LKM were recorded year-to-date, a figure that suggests many owners are neglecting basic vehicle administration. In a country where road tax is mandatory and insurance is legally required for third-party liability, these figures highlight a compliance gap that JPJ is actively closing through targeted operations.

Malaysian owners of luxury vehicles face a 100% risk of immediate vehicle seizure if found driving without a valid license or with expired road tax during JPJ special operations.

Common Questions

Can a vehicle owner be penalised if their employee drives without a license?

Yes. In this case, the vehicle was seized even though the driver claimed to be an employee. Under Section 64(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, the vehicle itself is subject to seizure. The owner may also face further investigation for permitting an unlicensed driver to operate the vehicle.

What is the difference between LKM and CDL in Malaysia?

LKM (Lesen Kenderaan Motor) refers to the road tax or vehicle license that must be renewed annually. CDL (Competent Driving License) is the actual driving license held by an individual. In this operation, 39 cases involved expired LKM, while only 3 cases involved missing CDL, showing that road tax expiry is a more common issue.

How many luxury vehicles has JPJ seized in 2026?

As of 28 August 2026, JPJ WPKL has seized 179 vehicles under Operasi Khas Luxury. A total of 572 notices have been issued, including 393 P22 notices and 179 seizure notices under Section 64(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single primary source: a report by Firdaus Razani published on Careta (careta.my) on 28 August 2026, which itself cites SinarHarian as the original news source. The information was translated from Malay to English for this article. All statistics, quotes, and legal references are preserved from the original source material. No additional data has been synthesised or invented. Currency conversions are not applicable as the source does not mention fines or vehicle prices. This article was last updated on 28 August 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the cited SinarHarian report via Careta.