A 28-year-old Chinese national has found himself at the centre of a media storm after being stopped by Malaysian road authorities for driving a Lamborghini Aventador without a valid licence. The incident occurred during a Hari Raya Aidilfitri enforcement operation along Jalan Bangsar on the night of 8 April.
The luxury vehicle, estimated to be worth RM2.27 million, was reportedly heading towards Damansara Heights after its driver had attended a fast-food restaurant launch in Kepong. Travelling with a female companion, the man was stopped by officers from the Road Transport Department (JPJ), who were conducting a large-scale integrated traffic operation involving multiple enforcement agencies.
Initial Reports and Conflicting Claims
Early media reports suggested that the Lamborghini had been seized by JPJ officers due to the absence of a valid driver’s licence. The story quickly gained traction online, fuelling widespread speculation and public backlash. However, JPJ later issued a clarification, stating that while the man was indeed fined (issued a compound) for driving without a valid licence, the vehicle itself was not confiscated. A spokesperson confirmed that the passenger, who held a valid driving licence, was permitted to drive the car away from the scene.
“We only issued the driver a compound and allowed those with valid licences to drive their vehicles. We apologise for any confusion caused,” JPJ said in a statement reported by Bernama.
Legal Threats Over “False News”
In response to the fallout, the driver, identified as Deng Sheng, has threatened legal action against several media outlets and social media users who claimed he was arrested and that his car was impounded. In a strongly worded statement, Deng expressed frustration over what he described as "false news," adding that the misinformation had seriously impacted his business interests, personal life, and public image.
“I want to make it clear that I was treated fairly by the JPJ officers,” he said. “But the media and others who spread false information have caused me stress and damage. I reserve my legal rights to take action.”
Deng further clarified that he possessed a valid international driving permit but was unable to produce it during the roadside inspection. “I explained this to the JPJ officers, and they were friendly and professional. I was never arrested, and my car was not taken away,” he added.
He also expressed concern over being inaccurately labelled a "social media influencer", stating firmly, “Some media also wrongly called me a social media influencer, which I am not.”
A Wider Operation Across Kuala Lumpur
The stop was just one part of the larger Hari Raya Aidilfitri enforcement operation (Ops HRA 2025), which was conducted between 24 March and 8 April across Kuala Lumpur and key transit points. The campaign involved collaboration between JPJ, the Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department (JSPT), the Immigration Department (JIM), and the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK).
According to Federal Territory JPJ director Hamidi Adam, a total of 15,490 vehicles were inspected during the operation. In Kuala Lumpur alone, 4,559 notices were issued for various traffic violations. A total of 1,729 vehicles were found to be in breach of the law, with 24 being seized for further investigation under the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333).
The most common offences recorded included expired driver’s licences and lack of insurance coverage, with 1,367 notices issued. A further 1,026 notices were handed out to individuals driving without a valid licence. Additionally, 875 notices targeted goods and public transport vehicle violations, including major and minor safety breaches.
Inspections at Terminals and Enforcement Strategy
Hamidi also confirmed that checks were extended to public bus terminals, including Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) and Terminal Bersepadu Gombak (TBG). These inspections aimed to ensure compliance with technical requirements, vehicle maintenance standards, and the legal status of drivers.
“During these inspections, we found several bus drivers guilty of using their mobile phones while driving and not providing a secondary driver for long-haul trips,” he said, noting that enforcement will continue to be ramped up during peak travel seasons.
Beyond traffic violations, the integrated operation included inspections by immigration and drug enforcement teams. The Immigration Department screened 29 foreigners, resulting in the detention of three Indonesian nationals — one man and two women — for immigration-related offences.
Simultaneously, AADK conducted drug screenings on 37 individuals. Three people — two men and one woman — were arrested after testing positive for cannabis.
JPJ Urges Accuracy and Public Responsibility
In the wake of the widespread confusion over the Lamborghini incident, JPJ urged media outlets and the public to refrain from sharing unverified or misleading information.
“Such misinformation can escalate unnecessarily and cause reputational harm to individuals involved, in addition to undermining public trust in law enforcement,” the department said.
“This is part of our broader strategy to enhance road safety and ensure compliance with the law, especially during festive seasons. We will continue strict enforcement alongside education and public awareness campaigns,” added JPJ director Hamidi.
As the dust settles, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of factual reporting and the consequences of social media speculation, particularly during ongoing public safety operations.
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*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media & various cross-references for context.
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