RTD uncovers fake international driving permits with bogus online verification system

KUALA LUMPUR: Fake International Driving Permits (IDPs) sold to foreigners for up to RM500 have come under scrutiny after authorities uncovered documents linked to websites designed to make them appear legitimate.

The questionable permits, purportedly valid for up to five years, were detected and seized during enforcement operations targeting foreign motorists in the capital.

Checks on one document revealed a website where its serial number could be verified, creating the impression of an official verification system.

The website is believed to have been set up by the syndicate behind the fake permits to mislead motorists and enforcement personnel.

Kuala Lumpur Road Transport Department (RTD) director Hamidi Adam said the department had detected parties offering documents purported to be IDPs to foreigners despite doubts over their validity under Malaysian law.

"We have detected parties offering documents claimed to be International Driving Permits to foreigners for fees of up to RM500, with purported validity periods of up to five years.

"These documents do not meet the recognition requirements for legal driving in Malaysia," he said in a statement.

Hamidi said foreigners who purchased the documents could mistakenly believe they were legally entitled to drive in Malaysia.

He stressed that merely possessing a document bearing the words "International Driving Permit" did not automatically entitle its holder to drive on Malaysian roads.

"Such documents must be issued by the relevant authorities or parties authorised by the country concerned and must fulfil the recognition requirements applicable in Malaysia," he said.

Hamidi pointed out that IDPs issued by Malaysia's RTD were valid for only one year under the Convention on Road Traffic signed in Geneva on Sept 19, 1949.

He said the use of such permits was also subject to the laws and regulations of the respective countries or territories.

The discovery of the questionable documents and their accompanying verification website has highlighted concerns over how easily foreign motorists and enforcement personnel could be misled by documents designed to resemble legitimate international driving credentials.

Although a serial number may appear on a website, this does not necessarily mean the document is recognised by the Malaysian authorities or that its holder is legally permitted to drive in the country.

Hamidi urged foreigners not to be deceived by individuals or organisations offering international driving documents without proper authority or recognition.

"The RTD will not compromise on the use of invalid driving documents. Appropriate enforcement action will be taken against anyone found violating the law," he said.

The discovery comes as Kuala Lumpur RTD intensifies enforcement against foreign motorists through its Ops Pewa.

During yesterday's operation, officers seized 47 of the 121 vehicles inspected, comprising 40 motorcycles, four cars and three goods vehicles.

A total of 273 notices were issued under the Road Transport Act 1987 for offences including driving licence violations, expired motor vehicle licences, insurance breaches and technical infringements.

The operation also saw 58 foreigners, including drivers, pillion riders and vehicle attendants, referred to the Immigration Department for further action.