Cameron Highlands, a popular tourist destination in Malaysia known for its cool climate and lush greenery, is also a hub for commercial agro-enterprises. To support the economic survival of these businesses, the government has announced a three-year extension of the 90 per cent reduction on motor vehicle licence (LKM) fee rates for decontrolled vehicles in the area. This initiative, which has been in place since 1987, aims to provide financial relief to operators of 1,058 vehicles used for transporting agricultural produce and goods from farms to collection centers.
The decision to extend the initiative was made by the MADANI government in response to a request from the Cameron Highlands Vegetable Transport Vehicle Owners’ Association. This move comes after discussions and meetings between government representatives and farm operators in the district, highlighting the importance of supporting local businesses and ensuring the smooth transportation of goods in the region.
Road Transport Department (JPJ) director-general Aedy Fadly Ramli emphasized the government’s commitment to assisting vegetable truck operators in Cameron Highlands. The extension of the fee reduction will help these operators replace their old four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles, thereby reducing their financial burden and improving the efficiency of their operations.
In a recent special operation named ‘Op Pemandu Warga Asing’, the JPJ seized 31 vehicles operated by foreigners in Cameron Highlands due to various traffic offenses. This crackdown, which involved 41 personnel from Pahang JPJ and 16 staff members of the Immigration Department, aimed to address complaints from local residents about the increasing number of foreigners driving without valid documents in the district.
During the operation, a total of 204 vehicles were inspected, resulting in 138 summonses being issued. The most common offenses detected included driving without a valid license, not having a vocational license, expired LKM, and misuse of LKM. Additionally, JPJ took action against 63 vehicle owners for allowing foreigners to drive without a valid license, highlighting the importance of upholding traffic regulations and ensuring road safety in the area.
Overall, the government’s proactive measures in Cameron Highlands demonstrate a commitment to supporting local businesses, improving transportation infrastructure, and maintaining law and order on the roads. By extending the fee reduction for decontrolled vehicles and cracking down on traffic offenses, authorities are working towards creating a conducive environment for economic growth and sustainable development in this picturesque region of Malaysia.
