Malaysians to have high-security driving licence from July 15

 

(The Star) – From July 15 onwards, Malaysians will have new high-security driving licences as part of the Transport Ministry’s move to improve the durability and safety of the document.

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) will issue the new licences from that date at all its branches nationwide, while all post offices will follow suit beginning November.

Acting Transport Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the old licence was maintained since 1989 without any upgraded technology.

“The old driving licence can be easily damaged and forged. Security issues can be tackled with the new document,” he said after launching the new document at the JPJ office here yesterday.

The new high-security driving licence are printed using thermal transfer technology and that the driver’s information are protected by a layer of high security holograms.

It will be implemented for all private vehicles owners including car and motorcycle users for both probationary and competent driving licence categories.

It is not compulsory to change to the new licence as long as the old one has not expired.

Hishammuddin said the new licence will strengthen JPJ’s database as the photographs of drivers can be uploaded into the system.

On the Automated Enforcement System (AES), Hishammuddin said the ministry will explain the status of the system during the coming Parliament session.

On the KLIA2, Hishammuddin said he will meet AirAsia officials next week to discuss matters including AirAsia’s proposal to set up a Government-appointed independent body to determine the KLIA2’s progress, completion date and estimated cost.

On the Kawan Mas express boat which sunk at Giam Bungan near Belaga on May 28, Hishammuddin hoped the Sarawak Rivers Board will look into resolving the monopoly of boat operators so that safety could be more stringent.