SEREMBAN: The common excuse “saya lupa” (I forgot) will not save you if you’re caught driving without a valid road tax and insurance.

Negri Sembilan Road Transport Department (JPJ) director Hanif Yusabra Yusuf said officers would seize such vehicles immediately and store them at the department’s depot until the owner is brought to court and settles all dues.

“This is a serious offence. In the first seven months of this year, we issued 10,435 summonses to vehicle owners, including motorcyclists, in the state for not having valid road tax.

“Another 7,812 summonses were issued to those without insurance cover, and this is unacceptable,” he told reporters at the state JPJ office yesterday.

Hanif said what was more shocking was that owners of luxury vehicles costing hundreds of thousands of ringgit were also among those who failed to renew their road tax and insurance.

Ten high-end vehicles, including a Porsche Taycan, an Audi, a Tesla, a Mini Countryman and a Toyota Alphard, were seized this year when owners could not produce the necessary documents, he said.

“Some hadn’t paid for over two years.

“When we ask why, they just say ‘lupa lah’ (I forgot). That is a lame excuse we will not accept,” he added.

Hanif said offenders could be charged under Section 23(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for not having a valid road tax and under Section 90(1) for not having insurance coverage.

He reminded vehicle owners to act responsibly and not take the matter lightly.

“Imagine getting into an accident without a valid road tax or insurance. Not only will you face legal consequences, but the other party may have difficulty claiming compensation,” he said.

Hanif said such cases had been reported in the past and had caused serious problems for all parties involved.

He said JPJ would continue enforcement operations to ensure compliance at all times.