KUALA LUMPUR: The Road Transport Department (RTD) has advised the public not to fall for scams involving fake driving licences.
RTD director-general Datuk Rospiagos Taha said it had detected the presence of social media accounts and others involved in fraudulent activities promising cheap and easy issuance of driving licences without adhering to the required conditions and legal regulations.
RTD's monitoring, he said, showed that these syndicates use social media platforms to run advertisements for their services.
"They use various persuasive methods, including displaying images of RTD driving licences to attract and entice the public into obtaining licences without undergoing proper tests, claiming it to be quick, inexpensive, easy, and difficult for the authorities to detect," he said.
Rospiagos stressed that a valid driving licence can only be obtained via proper procedures and competent driving training and examinations.
He advised the public to be cautious of such schemes offering unauthorised driving licences.
He said the department has collaborated with the police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to trace the owners of these social media accounts for further action.
"The public is advised not to fall for these advertisements and to refrain from sharing inaccurate information to prevent others from becoming victims of misleading content and such syndicates.
"Possessing an illegal driving licence is an offence under Section 108 of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333). Driving without a valid licence not only violates the law but also exposes individuals to the risk of accidents that endanger their lives and others.
"Those interested in obtaining a valid driving licence are encouraged to contact nearby driving institutes registered with RTD," he said.
He urged those who have encountered such syndicates offering easy and cheap licences to alert the authorities.
"The department remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of road users."