KUALA LUMPUR: The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has called on the authorities to revoke the driving licences of owners who allow their vehicles to be driven by unlicensed individuals.
CAP education officer N.V. Subbarow said these vehicle owners should not be allowed to renew their road tax for a year.
"It is shocking and frightening to know that vehicle owners have allowed unlicensed individuals to drive their vehicles on the road, including underage children.
"This is dangerous. Imagine these vehicles being driven by unlicensed individuals and minors on the road when we are driving. Where is safety?"
He said the authorities must immediately revoke the driving licences of these vehicle owners and they should not be allowed to renew their road tax for a year.
"As for parents who allow their underage children to drive, bring them to court."
He said this would teach the vehicle owners a lesson.
"If the authorities don't take immediate action, there will be more unlicensed individuals driving on the road, causing accidents rates to go up.
"We need to put a stop to this and we urge the authorities not to compromise with errant vehicle owners."
Yesterday, Road Transport Department deputy director-general (planning and operations) Aedly Fadly Ramli revealed that 55,000 offences involving vehicles being driven by those without a valid driver's licence were recorded in the first five months of the year.
He said most of the offences involved parents allowing their underage children to drive without a licence.