Teen Driver Apprehended in Kulim, Cites Father’s Illness
A 13-year-old boy found at the wheel of a car in Kulim, Kedah, explained to enforcement officers that he was compelled to drive due to his father’s poor health and an urgent errand. The young driver was intercepted by officials from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) during a routine enforcement operation conducted in the state two days prior to the report.
According to a statement released by Kedah JPJ Director Stien Van Lutam, the teenager was operating a Perodua Kancil when he was stopped by JPJ officers from the Sungai Petani branch. The incident occurred around 12:45 PM on Jalan Sungai Seluang.
Upon inspection, it was discovered that the boy did not possess a valid driving licence, a consequence of him not yet reaching the legal age required to obtain one. This constitutes an offence under Section 39(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which prohibits individuals below the legal driving age from operating motor vehicles.
Legal Ramifications for Underage Driving
The Kedah JPJ director emphasized that legal action is not limited to the underage driver. Individuals who permit or allow an unlicensed and underage person to operate a vehicle can also face penalties. This clause is in place to ensure accountability and to deter the practice of allowing ineligible individuals to drive.
The public has been strongly reminded to adhere to all road traffic regulations and to refrain from allowing individuals who are not legally qualified to hold a driving licence from operating any vehicle. The rationale behind this strict enforcement is to mitigate potential risks and safeguard the safety of all road users.
Summons Issued, Father Also Fined
In connection with the incident, the 13-year-old boy was issued a summons for driving without a valid licence and for being underage. His father, who was present in the vehicle at the time of the stop, was also fined by the JPJ.
While the Perodua Kancil was not impounded, subsequent checks confirmed that the vehicle’s road tax was still valid. This suggests that the primary violation was the operation of the vehicle by an unlicensed minor, with the father also facing consequences for enabling the situation.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to driving regulations and the severe consequences that can arise from non-compliance, particularly when the safety of the public is at stake. JPJ operations like these aim to uphold road safety standards across the nation. The department continues to conduct regular checks to ensure that all road users are compliant with the law. This includes monitoring for various traffic violations, from speeding and reckless driving to ensuring that only licensed individuals are behind the wheel. The focus remains on creating a safer road environment for everyone in Malaysia.
