PUTRAJAYA (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Malaysia has warned foreign workers and expatriates that they risked being deported if they habitually flout local traffic rules.

The Immigration Department's director-general Mustafar Ali said his department has received a proposal by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to deport foreigners who continuously commit traffic violations.

"We were told that there are some foreigners who are repeat and habitual traffic offenders.

"This needs to be dealt with seriously. We cannot have people come to our country and flout our laws," he told reporters on Monday.

Datuk Seri Mustafar said the Immigration Department has the authority to deport errant foreign drivers.

Common traffic offences committed by these foreigners include speeding, beating the red light, driving without a licence, and failure to have a valid road tax.

He said while the total number of foreign offenders is low, the matter is viewed seriously. He did not reveal a figure.

"Before we issue a repatriation order, we will get the JPJ and prosecutors to present their case. If they have a strong reason to ask the Immigration to revoke the person's visa or permit, then we will," he added.

JPJ deputy director-general (operations) Wan Ahmad Uzir Wan Sulaiman said while the drivng licence of some countries are accepted in Malaysia, there were various processes that must be followed. These would include the embassy or driving authority of that country issuing a letter recognising the driving licence. Singapore's driving licences are accepted in Malaysia.

"For those who don't have a driving licence at all, they will just have to go to the driving schools just like any other Malaysian, but using their passports as their ID," he added.

Malaysia Employers Federation executive director Shamsuddin Bardan said the deportation warning will raise the awareness of foreign workers to abide by Malaysian traffic law.

"This is part of the conditions on their work permits."