The problem with ‘lesen terbang’ drivers

Transport Minister Anthony Loke recently announced a one-month amnesty period for some 14,000 “lesen terbang” motorists. Those who do not surrender their illegal licences to the Road Transport Department (JPJ) after the deadline will face the consequences.

Many things came to mind following Loke’s announcement, including the question of whether the transport ministers before him were truly unaware of the problem.

The problem of “lesen terbang” or “kopi-o” licences has been around for decades. I know of a well-connected woman who has been driving without a licence for 30 years. Her siblings claim that when she is stopped at a police road-block, she just mentions a name which discourages any policeman from taking further action.

Others boast of paying their instructors, who through their contacts at JPJ are able to secure driving licences for them.

One woman, who presumably owned a “lesen terbang”, accompanied her husband abroad and was forced to take lessons with a driving instructor before she could apply for a European driving licence. She complained that there were too many rules and regulations.

Does her attitude reflect the mindset of Malaysians who give bribes to obtain a driving licence? Rules and regulations are for the safety of all road users. This woman gave up after failing several times to obtain a licence. I guess learning the hard way was too laborious for her.

Loke will have to tackle the “lesen terbang” issue, but Malaysians are aware that illegal licences are only one of many problems.

I recently went to renew my Malaysian driving licence. However, I was told that I was an illegal immigrant. How did that happen? Did a JPJ employee tamper with my details? Did a foreigner collude with the department and use my details to obtain a driving licence through fraudulent means?

How deeply mired in controversy is the JPJ? Did former directors not do their jobs, or did they not get the support of the minister? Either way, previous ministers have a lot to answer for.

And if this can happen at the transport ministry, how badly are other ministries affected by similar problems of illegal and fraudulent practices?

It’s not just a question of illegal licences or “lesen terbang”. The consequences of driving without proper knowledge of the highway code and consideration for other road users are serious.

Drivers who have not been taught the importance of the highway code probably drive dangerously. If he has insurance for his car, and he uses a “lesen terbang”, he is guilty of defrauding the insurance company.

If the owner of an illegal driving licence is involved in an accident which results in serious injury or death, detailed investigations by insurance investigators will reveal that he had an illegal licence. This would result in the insurance company refusing to make payments as it would argue that the insurance coverage was gained through fraudulent means.

If the illegal licence holder is involved in an accident with a legitimate road user, the driver with the legal licence may not be able to make a claim against the person with the “lesen terbang”.

Loke needs to come down hard on the JPJ staff who are involved in the sale of “lesen terbang”, as well as the members of the public who facilitate the practice. Only the severest form of punishment will deter such selfish and irresponsible people. Dangerous and careless driving could cost lives.

Mariam Mokhtar is an FMT columnist.