
JPJ launches new Malaysian driving licence with 10-year durability, anti-tamper tech
JOHOR BARU, May 22 — The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has introduced a newly designed Malaysian Driving Licence (LMM) card, now equipped with enhanced security features.
Its director-general, Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli, said the latest version of the card, being distributed in phases nationwide starting yesterday, was currently limited to two categories of applicants — Malaysian citizens travelling abroad and non-citizens renewing their driving licences.
He said ordinary applicants who renewed their licences would only receive the digital version of the licence.
'We are aware that not all countries accept the MyJPJ app — Singapore has accepted it, but some other countries still do not accept digital driving licences.
'Therefore, travellers need to bring their physical driving licence along with the International Driving Permit (IDP), which can be applied for at JPJ, since each country has its own regulations,' he told a press conference at IM Intensif Sdn Bhd Adda Height here yesterday.
He said the newly designed LMM card was intended to prevent tampering and forgery of the card, and was built to withstand usage for up to 10 years.
In terms of design, the latest LMM features a background image of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and an abstract wave motif on the front, while the back showcases the Istana Negara and a floral abstract motif.
'Printing of the LMM cards for the permitted categories is currently being conducted in phases at selected JPJ branches, allowing time for the transition from the previous version of the card to the latest one,' he said.
In a related development, Aedy Fadly said JPJ was gradually enhancing three aspects of licensing and operations at 248 driving institutions nationwide.
He said the move aimed to boost integrity, improve quality, and address recurring issues at the driving institutions.
'These three aspects include improvements to the guidelines for establishing new driving institutions, promoting the development of the eTesting system and the KPP01 Computer-Based Testing Centres at all driving institutions, and enhancing enforcement operations at IMs.
He said the improved guidelines for setting up new driving institutions were aimed at ensuring sufficient service provision in highly populated areas and reducing the waiting time for candidates to complete their learning process.
'For instance, in Klang, Selangor, some candidates reportedly wait up to three months to complete their training, while at places like IM Intensif Sdn Bhd Adda Height here, the process only takes about a month.
'In today's Special Driving Institution Enforcement Operation (Okim) in Johor, two driving institutions were found to have committed 80 offences, such as instructors handling more students than allowed, students learning without supervision, instructors teaching without a Driving Instructor Certificate (SPIM), instructors smoking during lessons, and failing to submit teaching records (SM4), among many other violations,' he said. — Bernama
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Free Malaysia Today
42 minutes ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Change farming narrative, young agro-entrepreneur tells govt
The government must roll out targeted measures for young farmers, including grants, low-interest loans and land leasing schemes to overcome the high entry costs, says Sabah-based farmer Shahrizal Denci. PETALING JAYA : An agro-entrepreneur has called on the government to change the narrative on farming in Malaysia, warning that outdated perceptions are driving the agriculture sector into decline. Sabah-based Shahrizal Denci, 43, said the prevailing image of farming as a physically punishing and low-status vocation has deterred young Malaysians from entering the field. The Bantu Tani Sdn Bhd director said farming should be rebranded as a knowledge-intensive and innovation-driven industry to change the narrative surrounding the agriculture sector. 'We cannot keep treating farmers like labourers. Farmers must be recognised as entrepreneurs and professionals,' he told FMT. Shahrizal Denci. Shahrizal, who has an 8ha farm in Kundasang cultivating more than 20 types of vegetables, said a younger generation of farmers can be enticed by the availability of technological advancements. Speaking from experience, the Sabahan said he has sought to present farming as a modern and 'sexy' job, by weaving in innovation and technology. However, he said, the real transformation lays in cultivating entrepreneurial and managerial thinking, especially among younger farmers. 'You must go into it as a business, not as a fallback plan,' said Shahrizal, who quit as a software engineer to return to his hometown and go into agriculture in 2011. Clear pathway to profits a sure attraction Alvin Loke, 42, a farmer in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, believes many young Malaysians would be open to entering the field if they see a structured pathway that offers financial stability, growth and respect. Alvin Loke. 'People want opportunities that offer financial independence, growth and respect. Farming can provide all of these, but only if it's structured properly,' he said. Loke said there were several barriers that newcomers to the industry would have to face, from the social stigma to long hours, and the uncomfortable nature of the job. The sector itself is highly volatile due to fluctuating input costs and a lack of long-term government support. 'Unstable prices of pesticides, fertilisers, and labour make it hard to plan and grow a business,' he said. However, after seven years in the industry, he said, it was possible to make money as a farmer, suggesting that the government look at certain measures to improve their income. 'I don't support cash handouts, but the government could provide more long-term subsidies and reduce the role of middlemen,' he said, adding that it was important to stabilise the sector's labour market and input costs to make it more viable and attractive. On May 29, the government released an interim report on the 2024 agriculture census, which showed that 45.4% of individual agricultural operators were aged 60 and above; only 22.2% were aged between 15 and 45, while 32.3% comprised those aged 46 to 59. In launching the report, deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof said this posed a serious challenge to Malaysia's agriculture sector as it affected productivity and the ability to sustain domestic food production. Chai Kok Lim. Cameron Highlands Vegetable Farmers Organisation president Chai Kok Lim said some of his group's members were in their 70s but still farm daily, as their children have shown no interest in taking over. Although two of his sons have taken up the family business, Chai expressed concern over the nationwide situation, saying: 'The work is tough, and the income is not stable. It's hard to convince young people to take it up.' Both Loke and Shahrizal stressed the importance of a younger batch of farmers being brought into the sector to ensure Malaysia's food security. Shahrizal pointed out that Malaysia imported nearly all of its shallots from India, which opened up the country to the risk of short supply or high prices from geopolitical tensions. Loke said government aid for farmers must reach recipients consistently and not be doled out only during an election. He also said the high costs of acquiring agricultural land and starting a farm were major deterrents, especially when returns were uncertain in the first few years. Shahrizal suggested the government roll out targeted measures for young farmers, including grants, low-interest loans and land leasing schemes to overcome the high entry costs. He also called for training and mentorship programmes to help young farmers learn the ropes quickly and breed success.


Free Malaysia Today
16 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Jakarta expects to conclude free trade talks with EU this month
Indonesia and the EU previously disagreed on trade rules for products with links to deforestation. (EPA Images pic) JAKARTA : Indonesia said today that free trade negotiations with the European Union, which have been going on for nine years, are expected to finish by the end of June. Airlangga Hartarto, the chief economic minister for Southeast Asia's biggest economy, met with EU commissioner for trade Maros Sefcovic in Brussels yesterday. 'Indonesia and the European Union have agreed to conclude outstanding issues and we are ready to announce a conclusion of substantial negotiations by the end of June 2025,' Airlangga said in a statement. He did not disclose details about what agreements may have been reached. Denis Chaibi, EU ambassador to Indonesia, said: 'Negotiations are ongoing and substance will determine timing. We will communicate in details when we have an outcome.' The EU is Indonesia's fifth biggest trade partner, with total trade between the two reaching US$30.1 billion last year. Indonesia had a US$4.5 billion trade surplus, Airlangga said. Indonesia and the EU have previously disagreed on EU trade rules for products with potential links to deforestation that could affect Indonesian palm oil, as well as Jakarta's ban on exports of raw minerals. Indonesian officials have been motivated to accelerate talks on free trade agreements, keen to diversify the country's export destinations as they deal with US tariff challenges. Seeking to end US trade deficits worldwide, US President Donald Trump announced sweeping 'reciprocal' tariffs that have since been paused until July. Indonesia is facing a 32% tariff rate.


Free Malaysia Today
16 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Issues over Petros nothing to do with Petronas layoffs, says Fadillah
Deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof said Petronas is relooking its entire operation because of the decline in crude oil prices. KUCHING : Petroliam Nasional Bhd's (Petronas) move to trim its workforce stems from global challenges and is not connected to the national oil firm's issues with Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros). Deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof said Petronas's restructuring plan is necessary amid the decline in crude oil prices. He said he plans to meet with the company to get more details of the exercise. 'That (the decline in crude oil prices) is why Petronas has to relook its entire operation. I'm planning a meeting with them to get a briefing on the matter and to ensure that the number of layoffs can be reduced, if not avoided,' he told reporters attending the Aidiladha sacrificial event at Taman Hussein Mosque here today. On June 5, Petronas president and CEO Tengku Muhammad Taufik Aziz said the national oil firm is cutting 10% of its workforce to cope with challenging operating conditions, particularly because of falling crude prices. He said the number of staff involved in the downsizing process stands at about 5,000, and those affected will be notified in stages next year. On May 21, the federal and state governments reached an understanding on matters involving Petronas and Petros. According to the joint declaration, Petronas will continue its functions, activities, responsibilities and obligations entrusted to the company in Malaysia under the Petroleum Development Act 1974 and its regulations. Any agreements and arrangements between Petronas and its subsidiaries with third parties for the purpose of liquefied natural gas sales from upstream operations through to LNG exports to foreign parties remain unaffected. A media statement by the Prime Minister's Office following the joint declaration said all relevant federal and state laws relating to gas distribution in Sarawak are to co-exist and be respected by all parties.