Online scammers target applicants for Malaysian driving license scheme

"LATEST! New Free Driving License Assistance 2024 updated with an EASIER PASS PROCESS!!" read a Malay-language Facebook post on August 8, 2024.

The accompanying graphic urges users to "apply now" for the "MyLesen B2" programme and featured the Malaysian coat of arms and the logo for the country's Road Transport Department (JPJ) (archived link). 

Applicants were invited to register for the scheme by entering their full name and phone number through a link at the bottom of the post.

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Screenshot of the false post, taken on September 4, 2024

Another version of the claim shared on June 5, 2024 included a graphic that appeared to be produced by the JPJ, as shown below:

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Screenshot of another version of the image posted on Facebook, captured September 4, 2024

Scam posts that ask for users' personal information regularly circulate on social media in Malaysia. AFP has previously debunked accounts impersonating government schemes that garnered tens of thousands of followers, including here and here. 

Similar false posts circulated on TikTok -- that asked users to click a link in the account's bio -- here and here, where they racked up more than 900,000 views; as well as on Facebook here, here, here and here. 

Subsidy scheme

The "MyLesen B2" programme subsidises the cost of obtaining a motorcycle license for eligible low-income citizens of Malaysia, state news agency Bernama reported in May 2023 (archived link here and here).

However, that programme ended in January 2024 and has not been extended as of September 2024.

"Online applications have been closed on January 31, 2024," JPJ told AFP on September 4.

It called the "registration sites" a scam and said they were not affiliated with the government.

Although Minister of Transport Anthony Loke has said the government would expand the subsidy scheme, there have not been any official announcements about the plan as of September 5, 2024 (archived links here and here).

A reverse image search found the original JPJ graphic was shared in a post by the department's official Facebook page on December 8, 2023 (archived link). 

Below is a screenshot comparison of the imposter application website (left), which appears to have included a screenshot of the government's real application form, and the online form produced by JPJ (right):

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Screenshot comparison of the imposter website (left) and the online form produced by JPJ (right)