High and dry: Driver abandons express bus during op in Gopeng

GOPENG: The driver of a Penang-bound express bus abandoned his vehicle during an integrated operation targeting commercial vehicles at the Gopeng Rural Transformation Centre here Thursday (Nov 28) night.

The bus was carrying 11 passengers from Kuala Lumpur’s Southern Integrated Terminal to Sungai Nibong.

An inspection of the vehicle found what is believed to be drug paraphernalia.

National Security Council (NSC) Perak director Mohd Zawawi Zakaria confirmed the matter and said police were handling the case.

“The driver, suspected of (using drugs), abandoned his bus and passengers. We are investigating,” he told a press conference after the operation.

The operation, led by Perak NSC in collaboration with multiple agencies including the police Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department and state police headquarters, was part of a nationwide crackdown on commercial vehicles.

A total of 144 officers and personnel participated in the operation from 9pm to midnight.

Other agencies involved included the National Anti-Drug Agency, Road Transport Department, Immigration Department, the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspakom) and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.

The primary goal of the operation was to monitor commercial vehicles, with a focus on ensuring road safety and compliance with regulations.

“This operation marks the beginning of an annual initiative where we work with our strategic partners. In future operations, we may shift focus to monitoring undocumented migrants and other areas of concern,” Zawawi added.

During the operation, a total of 155 vehicles were inspected, comprising 145 lorries, six vans and four buses.

A total of 61 summonses were issued for various offenses, with lorries being the primary offenders. – Bernama