Road transport department (JPJ) deputy director-general (planning and operations) Jazmanie Shafawi said this was especially prevalent among motorcycle owners, with JPJ having issued over 39,000 summons to motorcyclists over the last two months for these two offences, Bernama reported.

“Under Section 26 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, action can be taken against the owner of the vehicle driven by someone who does not possess a valid driving license.

“JPJ can also take action against any parent or guardian who allows underage minors to drive motor vehicles without a valid license under Section 39 of the Road Transport Act 1987,” he was quoted as saying.

Jazmanie said parents often use the excuse that their children use the motorcycles without their knowledge.

“Parents should ensure their children use the vehicles properly, including having a driving licence and valid road tax and insurance coverage,” he added.

Jazmanie was speaking to reporters at the close of the two-month operation against motorcyclists who breach the law.

According to the JPJ, a total of 134,718 notices were issued for various offences involving motorcyclists throughout the country in November and December.

The highest offence recorded was not having a driving licence (38,754 notices), followed by expired road tax (28,897), no insurance coverage (26,095), registration plates that do not follow specifications (7,852), expired licence (2,842), foreign drivers (2,750) and underage drivers (319).

Throughout the special operation, 3,668 motorcycles were seized over various offences and 561 motorcyclists were screened, with 66 of them testing positive for drugs.