Close to 1m driving licenses expired during MCO - Shaharuddin

Close to a million driving licences have since expired during the movement control order (MCO) from March to April, according to the Road Transport Department (RTD).

In addition, RTD director-general Shaharuddin Khalid revealed that over 1.85 million motor vehicle licences (LKM) have also expired from March 18, at the start of the MCO, up to April 30.

He said of the 981,883 driving licences that have expired, 209,263 comprised learners driving licence while 71,037 are probationary driving licences.

The rest include competent driving licences (593,886), good driving licenses (2,644), public service vehicle licences (16,988), conductor licences (202) and international driving permits (7,863).

Even so, the director-general remained members of the public that the government has accorded exemptions on the renewal of licences during the partial shutdown period.

“As announced by the transport minister (Wee Ka Siong)...all RTD counters will be open for all forms of service beginning today May 18.

“[...]Members of the public need not rush to come to RTD to renew their motor vehicle licences or driving licences that have expired during the MCO as the transport minister has given a renewal exemption.

“Hence, the public can still drive even if their LKM or driving license has expired, with the condition they bring along their insurance cover note that is still valid and in force,” Shaharuddin (below) said, according to his talking points provided to the press today.

The Malaysian government has imposed a partial MCO shutdown in a bid to contain the coronavirus outbreak.

During this period, all but essential services and operations were closed and all movement by members of the public were disallowed.

Members of the public were only permitted out to purchase necessary goods and services, or for emergencies.

On May 4, the government imposed the conditional MCO which has seen the easing of restrictions while government departments and service counters are to have begun operating in full from May 14, beginning with the RTD.

According to Shaharuddin further, from April 29 to May 12, the department has collected RM83 million, or an average of RM1.1 million a day.

“Hence, with the opening of all counters today, RTD expects to collect up to RM5 million a day,” he said.

RTD counters will operate from 8am to 4pm, while cash transactions will only be accepted up to 11am, after which all payments are to be in the form of e-payments with credit or debit cards. - Mkini