LAHAD DATU: The district has recorded a 79.78 per cent increase in cases involving the absence of a valid driving licence or Competent Driving Licence (CDL) this year.
State Road Transport Department (JPJ) Director Mohd Harris Ali said that a total of 5,778 CDL-related offences were recorded up to Nov this year compared to 3,214 cases in 2023.
He said, from Jan to Nov 2024, the Lahad Datu JPJ branch issued 11,621 summonses for various traffic offences.
“Driving without a valid licence or CDL is the most common offence, accounting for 49.72 per cent of the total cases.
“This reflects a significant increase in the number of unlicensed drivers in 2024 compared to 2023, attributed to enforcement carried out throughout the year,” he said during an interview following a JPJ Lahad Datu Integrated Operation at Jalan Silam, Tuesday.
Mohd Harris said, over the past 11 months, the Lahad Datu JPJ branch received 10 complaints about traffic violations via the MyJPJ app.
He said these complaints included left-lane overtaking, obstructive parking, failure to comply with traffic signals and other offences.
“Continuous enforcement efforts by JPJ have raised awareness of the importance of adhering to traffic regulations among drivers.
“This is evident from the registration of 6,230 individuals for driving licences at driving institutes by November 2024, marking a positive development,” Mohd Harris said.
Meanwhile, he said the Integrated Operation conducted by Sabah JPJ’s Enforcement Division and the Lahad Datu JPJ branch, along with other enforcement agencies, aims to address traffic violations.
He said 239 vehicles were inspected in Tuesday’s operation, with 86 summonses issued for various traffic offences.
The enforcement statistics demonstrate the commitment of JPJ, particularly the Lahad Datu branch, in ensuring higher compliance with traffic regulations and bolstering efforts to enhance road safety.
“Sabah JPJ remains ready to collaborate with any enforcement agency requiring assistance. Road traffic law enforcement will continue to ensure all road users adhere to the regulations, thereby reducing accidents and improving road safety,” Mohd Harris said.
