Use licensed tour buses: Motac

Published on: Sunday, November 26, 2023

By: Hayati Dzulkifli

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Lokman (second right) with Roslan (right) and some officers of both agencies checking the boot of the white van suspected operating without valid licence to ferry tourists.

Kota Kinabalu: Tourists should only engage vans or big tour bus coaches that have valid licence or permit, indicated by one-third of the vehicles’ body painted green.
Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (Motac) Undersecretary of Tourism Licensing and Enforcement Division Roslan bin Mohammad said many tourists are not aware of this colour code on permitted vehicles.

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He said this is important in terms of enjoying insurance protection if involved in untoward incidents.
“It is in fact easy to spot pirated vans or bus coaches operating without licence or permit from us (Motac), by checking out for the green on part of the vehicle.
“For example, the vehicles would have the green line painted on the lower part. Most pirated vans are normally white and quite easy to identify,” he told a press conference after a joint integrated special operation of Road Transport Department dubbed “White Vans Ops” from 9am until 3pm at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), Saturday.
JPJ Senior Enforcement Director Datuk Lokman Jamaan said 10 vans, majority white, were hauled up by JPJ and Motac for ferrying domestic and foreign tourists without a valid licence.

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Both agencies conducted the special operation involving 80 officers to detect pirated tourists’ vans that offer illegal rental vehicle services to tourists, after a seven-day surveillance upon receiving public complaints.
“Of the 10 vans, one had expired vehicle insurance and licence. All those detained were unable to produce valid permits.

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“All passengers were asked to give statements to facilitate investigations on the vehicles’ drivers and owners.
“We are not taking custody of the passengers because they are not aware of the offences committed,” Lokman said, adding they are looking to see the link between the passengers and the operators.
Roslan said Motac is pleased at this first collaboration with JPJ to address the pirated white vans issue or “ulat”.
He said the operation is part of preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
“Licenced operators feel it is not fair for them to compete with illegal operators using vans or coaches not abiding by the law and regulations under Motac.
Lokman chided the operators of pirated tourist vehicles who pose huge risks to the safety of the tourists or passengers because no insurance will cover them throughout their journey.
At the same time, the pirated operators have interrupted the tourism trips with their illegal transportation service which is also affecting legitimate businesses.
“Our investigation revealed that these illegal operators use various methods including online advertising to offer services without complying with the conditions set in accordance with the Tourism Vehicle Licensing Act 1999,” Lokman said.
Under the Act, they can be fined up to RM10,000 or jail up to five years or both under Section 4(1) for operating a business of tourist vehicle without valid licence, while using a vehicle for such purpose, the operator can be fined up to RM50,000 or a maximum jail of five years or both under Section 19(1) of the same Act.
In addition, he said JPJ also took action in accordance with the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) and the regulations under for technical aspect of the vehicle and driving offences.
Lokman urged the public to complain to Motac or JPJ if they spot anyone carrying out a tourist vehicle businesses without a valid licence.
They can report complaints directly by using the MyJPJ application e-aduan@jpj or email aduant[email protected] along with complete details of the complaint.

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