KUALA LUMPUR: Driving licence holders have been exempted from renewing their licences during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period, which ends on March 31.
The directive comes into force from Wednesday in accordance with Section 66(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333).
The legal provision sets aside a directive for individual driving licence holders to renew their licences online through the Road Transport Department’s (RTD) mySikap portal and MyEG.
Transport Minister Datuk Dr Ir Wee Ka Siong said he utilised the provision after becoming aware of motorists' difficulty in renewing their respective motor vehicle licence for commercial and individual vehicles, including GDL and PSV vocational licences.
However, he said motorists were advised to bring along with them a copy of the e-cover note when they are driving during the MCO period.
“This means that throughout the MCO period, anyone who has an expired driving licence, can still drive, provided their vehicle posses’ a valid insurance coverage.
"But holders have to renew their licences within 30 days after the MCO is declared over," he said.
On driving and GDL licence for commercial vehicles, Wee said the ministry had decided that the matter would need the approval of Puspakom, adding that the valid health report as required for renewal of the GDL licence will also not arise during the MCO period.
“This is because the need to renew the licence has been excluded throughout the MCO period. But the commercial vehicle owners need to renew their driving licence, which is subject to approval, including document requirements within 30 days after the MCO is declared over,” he said.
Wee said the Transport Ministry adopted the measures after discussions held with various stakeholders including General Insurance Association of Malaysia and Takaful Malaysia.
“The main thing is to ensure that the supply of essential goods especially food to members of the public is not affected.” he said.