JPJ: No extra requirements for senior citizen drivers

PETALING JAYA: Social media posts claiming that senior citizens must pass additional requirements for the renewal of their driving licence are untrue, says the Road Transport Department (JPJ).

Its director-general, Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli, denied that senior citizens are required to undergo competency or health assessments before renewing their Malaysian Driving Licence (LMM).

“For the record, the Transport Ministry and JPJ have not imposed any additional requirements for senior citizens to renew their driving licence.

“The renewal process for LMM remains, subject to the existing conditions and standard operating procedure (SOP) under the Road Transport Act 1987,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Aedy also advised the public to avoid sharing false information and to verify the accuracy of any information they receive.

“JPJ remains committed to ensuring the well-being of the public, particularly its customers.

“For more information on the renewal of LMM, visit www.jpj.gov.my,” he added.

The message being shared on various online platforms urges elderly drivers to renew their driving licences “soon” before “physical examinations are imposed starting January 2025”.

In November, Utusan Malaysia reported that the number of road accidents involving the elderly could be reduced if the government introduced additional conditions for their licence renewals.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke had also welcomed suggestions to impose conditions on the elderly’s driving licence renewal, amid the surge of road accidents involving the elderly.

However, he said the government will study the proposal first to avoid making rash decisions.

On Nov 25, Aedy said there is no decision on whether those aged 65 and above will need to undergo competency and health assessments before renewing their driving licence.

The plans to introduce these additional conditions, he added, remain at the “policy stage” within the Transport Ministry.