Penang: The Penang Road Transport Department (JPJ) has seized 38 luxury vehicles valued at more than RM10 million in ‘Ops Luxury’ for not having valid road tax (LKM) and vehicle insurance. Penang JPJ Director Zulkifli Ismail stated that the operation, which began in June, targeted luxury vehicles being used on the road without meeting the necessary legal requirements.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the confiscated vehicles include high-end brands like Rolls Royce, Porsche, Mercedes Benz, BMW, and Ferrari. These vehicles lacked LKM and insurance for periods ranging from six months to over two years but were still operational on the roads. During an inspection, it was revealed that a Rolls Royce, worth over RM3 million, had the highest unpaid road tax of RM54,000 per year, overdue for one year. The total unpaid road tax for all seized vehicles amounts to RM77,400.

The owners of these luxury cars comprise companies and individuals, including company owners, corporate members, businessmen with ‘datuk’ titles, and doctors. Some of the vehicles were being driven by family members or company employees when intercepted by JPJ officials. Zulkifli highlighted that such actions not only result in a loss of national revenue but also pose risks to other road users in the event of an accident, with the most common excuse being forgetting to renew the road tax.

All the luxury vehicles are currently held at the state JPJ office until the owners settle the summonses and renew their road tax and insurance, regardless of having complete and valid ownership documents. They have been seized and are under investigation under Sections 23 and 90 of the Road Transport Act 1987. The operation is set to continue to ensure compliance with regulations.

Zulkifli emphasized that the enforcement is not against luxury vehicles per se, but is crucial for the safety of all road users. Vehicles without insurance can cause significant issues for both the owner and third parties involved in accidents.