SIBU: The Sibu branch of the Road Transport Department (RTD) has seized six luxury vehicles here for expired road tax (LKM) and lack of insurance coverage during ‘Ops Luxury’ conducted since early this month.
The branch’s chief, Senior Enforcement Officer, Nurul Fairezzah Safri, said the vehicles comprised two Toyota Vellfire units, and one each of Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Crown Royale, Toyota Camry and Mercedes-Benz.
In a statement today, she said the operation focused on luxury cars still on the road despite having no valid LKM and insurance.
“Some of the vehicles had expired road tax for several years without renewal. Any luxury car found without a valid LKM and insurance will be seized immediately.
“These cases cannot be settled with a compound, and the drivers and owners will be taken to court,” she said.
She added that the department would continue similar operations here, and would not compromise with vehicle owners.
Nurul Fairezzah said seized cars would only be released to registered owners once their road tax and insurance were renewed, and with approval from the Sarawak RTD director.
However, the drivers would still face court charges.
“Under the latest directive for private vehicles, including luxury cars, even if the road tax and insurance have expired for only one day, the driver and owner will still be issued a summons and the vehicle seized immediately.
“For commercial vehicles, if the road tax has expired even for a day, action will also be taken regardless of whether the insurance is still valid,” she said.
From January until August 28, the Sibu RTD seized 55 vehicles, consisting of 48 private cars (six of which were luxury cars) and seven commercial vehicles.
She said the enforcement was not intended to trouble owners but to ensure all road users comply with the law.
“Vehicle owners must always ensure their road tax and insurance are valid before use. If expired, they must be renewed immediately to avoid legal action,” she said. – BERNAMA
