Why Now? Cameron Highlands Locals Question Sudden Action On Long-Running Tourism Transport

Road transport authorities conducted a joint enforcement operation in Cameron Highlands recently, inspecting 48 commercial vehicles and taking action against 16 of them, including seizing school buses allegedly used illegally to transport foreign tourists.

JPJ

Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter, or Telegram and WhatsApp channels for the latest stories and updates.

Road transport authorities have taken action against 16 commercial vehicles out of 48 inspected during a joint enforcement operation in Cameron Highlands recently, including the seizure of school buses allegedly used to transport foreign tourists illegally.

The operation, conducted by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) together with the Immigration Department, uncovered what officials described as illegal transport activities involving school buses repurposed for tourist services.

JPJ Senior Enforcement Director Dato’ Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan said the department would never compromise and would ensure all vehicles – whether private, commercial or public service – fully comply with road regulations and laws.

The joint operation also recorded other offences, including vehicles operating without proper commercial vehicle licences (LKM) and insurance, misuse of LKM, and drivers without valid licences.

Questions Over Timing Amid Calls For Regulatory Support

However, the enforcement action has raised questions among locals about the timing of the crackdown.

Locals say similar operations involving school buses and four-wheel-drive vehicles ferrying tourists have been commonplace in the hill resort for years.

“These buses and 4WDs have been operating like this for a very long time. Everyone knows about it,” said a local business owner who spoke to TRP anonymously.

The operation comes as Cameron Highlands continues to attract growing numbers of domestic and foreign tourists, particularly during peak seasons and holidays.

Tourism operators have defended the use of specialised vehicles, particularly Land Rovers, arguing they are essential for the challenging mountain terrain.

@farahaalifnun Wajib try naik Mossy Forest dekat Cameron Highlands😍 boleh book dekat Abang Nazri 013-8862880 #MossyForest #CameronHiglands #Underratedactivity #tempatmenarik #brinchang ♬ Soal Waktu Saja – Dodoe

Give Special Permits Instead of Penalties

Cameron Highlands Environmental Awareness Association (REACH) president A. Dilip Martin told TRP that the government should step in to support tourism operators rather than penalise them.

The use of Land Rovers here is both authentic and essential. Cameron Highlands has the highest number of Land Rovers in Asia, and government agencies have used these vehicles for many years due to their reliability.

Dilip explained that tour operators rely on Land Rovers to transport visitors to Gunung Brinchang because the terrain rises to 6,000 feet and requires vehicles capable of handling steep climbs.

Dilip is also a certified trainer in safety, sea survival, and first aid, contributing to Cameron Highlands’ community health and safety education. (Pix: REACH)

Standard tour vans are not suitable—they struggle with the incline and lack the full braking system needed for mountain routes.

In contrast, Land Rovers are equipped with special gearing that ensures better control when descending.

Dilip called for the Tourism Ministry (MOTAC) and JPJ to introduce special passes or permits for operators with valid MOTAC licences, describing this as crucial for safety.

The presence of senior JPJ enforcement officials in Cameron Highlands for the operation marked a significant enforcement effort in the popular tourist destination, with local observers noting that such high-profile joint operations are relatively uncommon in the area despite ongoing regulatory concerns.