ALOR STAR: A 24-year-old Vietnamese man was nabbed by the Road Transport Department (RTD) over suspicion of holding a fake driving licence during checks on April 9 near the Malaysia-Thailand border.
State RTD deputy director Shahrul Azhar Mat Dali said investigations found that the man allegedly purchased the fake licence through a social media site for RM2,000.
He said the man was flagged at 7.57am while entering the country driving a Perodua Myvi in Bukit Kayu Hitam.
"He claimed the Perodua Myvi belonged to his relatives. Upon inspection, we suspected the licence to be dubious and detained the Vietnamese man to assist in the investigation.
"The driving licence was later sent to the Chemistry Department and was found to be fake," he told a press conference at the state RTD headquarters here today.
Shahrul said they are currently investigating the possibility of others possessing similar fake licences.
He said through social media, the purchase of licences is open to the public and not restricted to foreigners only.
The case is being investigated under Section 108 (3)(e) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for document forgery.
"The offence carries a fine of between RM5,000 and RM20,000, or imprisonment of between one and five years, or both, upon conviction," he added.
Meanwhile, Shahrul said most unlicenced foreigners who were detected using vehicles such as motorcycles and cars drove vehicles registered under locals.
He said most of them cited work and transportation needs as their reasons to do so.
"We are studying the matter and will enhance enforcement to address the issue.
"Malaysian vehicle owners who allow foreigners to drive their vehicles without licences can also face action, including fines and seizure of vehicles," he said.