HULU LANGAT: Some 6.7 million drivers and motorcyclists are on the road without valid licences.
To address this, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) has initiated the myLESEN programme to ensure that some 300,000 motorcyclists nationwide obtain their licence within a month.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the one-month programme from today would target those aged 16 and above.
“We appeal to them to get their licence as soon as possible as 32% of motorcyclists in the country are without one.
“We cannot allow this to continue,” he said when launching the myLESEN programme at Surfine Hitech Sdn Bhd here yesterday.
Besides giving them a chance to get their licence, he said the motorcyclists would also undergo road safety training.
As an incentive, Liow said the programme would train and test motorcyclists at a flat rate of RM299 instead of the minimum RM350 fee set by driving schools.
“Depending on the response, we may consider holding similar programmes in the future to get more unlicensed motorcyclists to get their licence,” he added.
He said the ministry hoped that at least half or 3.35 million unlicensed motorcyclists would eventually come forward.
The programme, he said, was crucial as the ministry aimed to reduce road accidents by 50% by 2020.
Based on the Road Safety Plan 2014-2020, he said an estimated 43% of motorcyclists below 25 years old in rural areas were without licences.
“Police statistics between 2010 and 2012 show that 32% of deaths and 26.8% of injuries involved unlicensed motorcyclists,” he said.
Under the programme, motorcyclists will be able to obtain their B2 licence for motorcycles below 250cc.
A total of 190 driving institutes nationwide are taking part in the programme.
On a separate issue, Liow said aviation and maritime authorities would continue to be on high alert in view of the haze.
He said the Marine Department would also issue advisories to operators of passenger ferries plying between peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra.
