Driving licence issued by UNHCR not valid, says JPJ

Update:  The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) says it does not issue driving licences and that any such document would be fake.
UNHCR only issues refugee identity cards in the country, which serves to verify that the cardholder is a refugee requiring international protection and cannot be forcibly sent to a country where their lives or freedom may be at risk.
"Our cards do not accord any other right to the bearer, including the right to drive vehicles in the country," a UNHCR spokesman said in a statement on May 2.

 

PETALING JAYA: Any driving licence issued by the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) is not valid for any motor vehicles in the country, says the Road Transport Department (JPJ).

The department said that this was in line with the Road Transport Act, 1987.

According to the Home Ministry, UNHCR cardholders do not have the right, status and basis to make demands on the Malaysian government, it said.

“JPJ is always committed in ensuring that the rule of law is always maintained and will never compromise against any violations of existing road rules, ” it said in a statement today.

As of the end of March 2020, there are 179,520 refugees and asylum-seekers registered with UNHCR in Malaysia.