BACHOK: The motorcycle licence provided under the MyLesen B2 programme is equivalent to the licences issued by the Road Transport Department (JPJ), said Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah.

He said those who want to obtain a licence under the programme are also required to attend the driver education curriculum (KPP) course and take the JPJ's theory and practical tests.

"Although these licences are given out for free, they are valid as we want to ensure motorcyclists adhere to the road safety rules while reducing the accident rate.

"Holders of the Class B2 licences will not be exempted from legal action if they fail to comply with the rules that have been set," he told reporters after officiating the Kelantan-level MyLesen B2 Programme here today, which was also attended by JPJ director-general Rospiagos Taha.

At the event, Hasbi also presented 300 helmets sponsored by Malaysia Rail Link to the B2 licence recipients under the programme in Kelantan.

A total of 900 residents in Kelantan received their B2 motorcycle licences via the MyLesen B2 Programme, with the youngest recipient being 16 years old, and the oldest being 67.

Meanwhile, a supermarket worker, Siti Nor Ain Mohd Kamaruzaman, 22, said her dream of getting a motorcycle licence has come true after being selected to receive the assistance.

"I've wanted to get a motorcycle licence for a long time but haven't been able to do so.

"I'm very grateful to have been chosen to receive this assistance, which will make it easier for me to commute from my home in Kota Bharu's Kampung Salor to my workplace in the city centre," she said.

The mother of a nine-month-old baby said that with the money she earned, she was able to help ease the burden of her husband, Mohd Hanif Zaki, 22, who works as a mechanic.

--BERNAMA