45 fines, RM14k unpaid: Thai van busted for five-year border-hopping spree
Among the offences detected were the failure to possess an ICP, the absence of a Competent Driving Licence (CDL) and the failure to display the ICP as required.
KOTA BHARU – A private Thai van has been entering Malaysia without any restrictions despite having 45 outstanding summonses amounting to RM14,000, accumulated over the past five years.
Road Transport Department (JPJ) Senior Enforcement Director Datuk Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan stated that the driver of the private van showed a blatant disregard for the law, committing multiple offences related to the International Circulation Permit (ICP) and traffic violations.
The information was uncovered after the JPJ tracked the vehicle through Ops Tunggak Kenderaan Thailand, an operation conducted at several national border entry points.
“The high number of summonses reflects a serious level of non-compliance by foreign vehicle drivers with Malaysian road laws.
“This vehicle continued to enter the country despite having dozens of outstanding fines. This is irresponsible behaviour that could jeopardise the safety of other road users,” he told a press conference at the Kelantan JPJ headquarters on Wednesday.
He added that the operation, which began on Jan 16 and concluded on Wednesday, resulted in the seizure of 80 Thai vans.
Among the offences detected were the failure to possess an ICP, the absence of a Competent Driving Licence (CDL) and the failure to display the ICP as required.
“In Kota Bharu alone, 13 private Thai vans were detained. All seized vehicles will be held until the owners or drivers settle every outstanding summons,” he said.
In a related development, Kifli said the JPJ successfully collected RM5.59 million in outstanding summons revenue from Thai vehicles between 2023 and 2025.
He provided a breakdown of RM203,400 in 2023, RM1.16 million in 2024 and RM4.2 million in 2025.
“This shows a significant increase compared to previous years, clearly reflecting a rising level of compliance as a result of more comprehensive and firm enforcement actions.
“The two states with the highest records are Kedah, with 37,527 cases, followed by Kelantan with 6,653 cases,” he added.
He advised foreign vehicle owners and drivers to settle all outstanding fines and ensure that travel and vehicle documents are valid before entering or travelling within Malaysia.
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