Be careful renting a car in Langkawi, users are not protected if the operator does not have a permit – JPJ

ALOR SETAR: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) reminds the public not to use rental vehicle services without a license or permit, especially those operating in Langkawi.

JPJ Director General Aedy Fadly Ramli said the act of renting an unlicensed rental vehicle could invite risks because users are not covered by insurance if involved in any incident on the road.

“These vehicles without a permit are not covered by insurance for users. So if there is any accident, the insurance cannot cover it, That is the biggest risk if you use a vehicle without a permit.

“We know that Langkawi is used to rental vehicles. We have to take action because it is not fair for vehicle owners who use the right channel to get a license or permit,” he said.

He said this when asked to comment on a previous newspaper report about the existence of more than 1,000 unlicensed rental vehicles, especially cars on Langkawi Island.

Aedy Fadly said JPJ will constantly monitor and carry out periodic operations to combat the activity.

“I want to inform you why we are conducting operations in Langkawi; it is due to our own complaints from the taxi associations that have permits. So when there are complaints, we take action; we do not arbitrarily recklessly conduct operations without receiving complaints,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said the JPJ will continue to focus on four main things, namely improving the department’s delivery and service system, continuing the digitalization agenda, improving image and integrity, as well as public compliance and awareness of road laws.

“Apart from that, we will increase our operations, which we have never carried out before, and we will carry them out. For example, we already have an enforcement operation for sightseeing buses. Maybe after this, we will carry out operations related to other vehicles as well,” he said.