Many factory workers in Senai and Kulai ride motorcycles to work. But JPJ is actively checking foreigners on Johor roads, and a motorcycle can be seized on the spot if the rider has no valid licence. This article explains what the press has reported, who can be held responsible, and what to check before you buy or ride a motorcycle. This is general information, not legal advice.
Information as of 6 Nov 2026.
What has been reported
- The Star (2 Oct 2026) reported that Johor JPJ took action against 1,346 foreign nationals in statewide operations from 1 June to 2 October 2026. It checked 10,580 vehicles and seized 347 motorcycles, plus 69 cars, 24 private vehicles and 15 heavy vehicles. Offences included riding or driving without a licence, no road tax or insurance, and not wearing a helmet.
- Malay Mail (23 Jan 2026) reported a three-week operation in Johor in January: 1,109 vehicles inspected, 235 seized, and 459 foreigners acted against. The most common offence was lacking a competent driving licence.
- In Penang, the state JPJ director said, "If a foreigner is caught riding a motorcycle without a licence, we have to seize the vehicle" (The Star, 11 Oct 2026). Seizures were made under Section 64 of the Road Transport Act 1987.
- In Selangor, JPJ said the offence is not compoundable, so cases go to court (The Star, 30 Jul 2026).
We did not find a report that clearly states the fine amount, so we do not quote one here. Ask JPJ.
What to do / who to call
| Situation | Action | |---|---| | You have no licence recognised in Malaysia | Do not ride on public roads. Take a bus, carpool or walk | | Not sure your home licence is valid here | Ask your state JPJ office or a registered driving school before riding | | Want to buy a used motorcycle | Ask for the registration card, make sure the seller is the registered owner, and do an official transfer of ownership (see below) | | Motorcycle seized | Contact your employer and JPJ. Per Motorist.my, only the registered owner can reclaim a seized vehicle | | Thinking of settling on the spot with cash | Don't. JPJ says this offence cannot be compounded and goes to court |
Owners and employers can be held responsible too
JPJ said both the driver and the vehicle owner can be held responsible if someone is allowed to drive without a valid licence (The Star, 30 Jul 2026). In Penang, JPJ also warned employers and people who manage foreign workers to make sure anyone they allow to drive is qualified and has valid documents (The Star, 11 Oct 2026). So do not lend or rent out your motorcycle to a housemate who has no licence.
The risk of buying a used bike without transfer
The Johor JPJ director said around 70% of offenders are owners who bought a vehicle from another foreigner without a legal ownership change. Vehicles pass through several hands as buyers go home, which makes the real owner hard to trace (The Star, 2 Oct 2026). According to Motorist.my, the registered owner stays responsible for the vehicle even after an informal "sale". If you buy, make sure the name on the registration card is correct and complete the official transfer. For fuel costs, see petrol prices and BUDI95 for motorcycles.
Foreign licences: what we found
According to SAYS and Motorist.my, ASEAN nationals may use their own national licence in Malaysia under a 1985 agreement, while non-ASEAN nationals need their home licence plus an International Driving Permit (IDP). SAYS says other foreigners must apply for a Malaysian licence through a registered driving school. Older and newer reports differ on licence conversion, so confirm with JPJ before you ride. We found no official JPJ page that clearly states the current rules.
Common mistakes
- "It's my motorcycle, so it's fine." Owning a motorcycle is not the same as being allowed to ride it on the road.
- Renting a motorcycle monthly from a local without a licence. Press reports mention rentals of RM100 a day and RM200 a month; owners can be acted against too.
- Not changing the owner's name after buying. This is the main problem in Johor.
- Forgetting road tax and insurance. These are among the offences acted on.
If you have no vehicle, see getting to work from Senai or factory bus routes.
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FAQ
Can my motorcycle be seized if I have no licence? Yes. Penang JPJ said foreigners' motorcycles ridden without a licence will be seized under Section 64 of the Road Transport Act 1987, and Johor seized 347 motorcycles between 1 June and 2 October 2026.
Is the motorcycle owner responsible too? Yes. JPJ said both the driver and the owner can be held responsible if unlicensed riding is allowed.
Can I use my home-country licence in Malaysia? According to SAYS and Motorist.my, ASEAN nationals may use their own licence and non-ASEAN nationals need an IDP, but conversion rules have changed. Confirm with JPJ.
Why does transfer of ownership matter? The registered owner stays responsible, and Johor JPJ said most offenders bought a bike without a transfer.
Sumber / Sources
- The Star, Johor JPJ acts against 1,346 foreigners (2 Oct 2026) (accessed 6 Nov 2026)
- Malay Mail, Johor JPJ seizes 235 vehicles (23 Jan 2026) (accessed 6 Nov 2026)
- The Star, JPJ seizes 74 vehicles in Penang (11 Oct 2026) (accessed 6 Nov 2026)
- The Star, JPJ cracks down on rent-a-motorbike (30 Jul 2026) (accessed 6 Nov 2026)
- Motorist.my, JPJ 2026 rules for owners (7 Mar 2026) (accessed 6 Nov 2026)
- SAYS, Driving in Malaysia as a foreigner (accessed 6 Nov 2026)
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