JPJ flags non-roadworthy buses in safety crackdown ahead of Hari Raya

SEREMBAN: Eleven of the more than 500 express buses inspected by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) in a seven-day operation have been slapped with non-roadworthy notices, says Anthony Loke.

The Transport Minister said the week-long operation, which started on March 16, was conducted at bus terminals and depots.

“The pre-operation in conjunction with Hari Raya is a reminder to express bus companies to ensure their vehicles are safe.

“From Monday (March 24), JPJ will have another operation over 16 days nationwide where we will again inspect express buses,” he said at a breaking of fast event held at Masjid Al-Munawwarah at Taman Panchor Jaya.

Loke said some 2,500 JPJ officers will be working throughout the 16-day operation to ensure all motorists complied with traffic rules.

“Their leave has been frozen and the officers will be working on shifts throughout the day,” he said

Loke said JPJ officers will be stationed at various locations especially along accident-prone stretches and other strategic spots.

He said focus will be given to routes from Kuala Lumpur to the east coast states as more express buses plied these routes compared to the northern routes which also had the ETS and KTM Komuter services.

He said buses given special permits by the Land Public Transport Agency will also be subjected to checks.

It was earlier reported that APAD will issue some 300 temporary permits to buses to run during the Hari Raya holidays.

“It is my hope that bus companies will be vigilant as the JPJ will also conduct spot checks during the period.

“If they flout the regulations, their buses will not be allowed to operate.

“So, I would like to urge them to treat this seriously as we are serious in ensuring the passengers and other road users reach their destinations safely,” he said.

Loke also reminded all motorists that they will be slapped with RM300 compounds in the event they violated seven main traffic offences.

These were running the redlight, using mobile phones while driving, overtaking along double lines, driving along the emergency lane, speeding, not buckling up and queue-cutting.

He said drivers of heavy vehicles who overload and drive on fast lanes would also be heavily penalised.

Loke also urged the public to report motorists who violate traffic rules via the MyJPJ application or email to aduantrafik@jpj.gov.my