Kota Kinabalu: Five commercial vehicle drivers tested positive for syabu (methamphetamine) in the Integrated Anti-Drug Operation on Commercial Vehicles conducted by the Sabah Road Transport Department (JPJ) in collaboration with the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and related enforcement agencies as of July 6.
Sabah JPJ Director Datuk Mohd Harris Ali said the operation from July 1 was aimed at strengthening enforcement against commercial vehicle drivers to ensure they are free from drug abuse and remain compliant with road traffic laws.
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He said 60 drivers underwent urine screening tests and five failed. “For cases confirmed positive, action will be taken in accordance with the relevant legal provisions. Competent Driving Licences (CDL) and Vocational Licences (VL) will be withheld pending the completion of AADK investigations.
“Vocational licences will be suspended for three months under the applicable regulations,” he said at Inanam Bus Terminal.
If the drivers are convicted or placed in a rehabilitation centre, the JPJ Director-General may suspend their CDL under Section 39 of the Road Transport Act based on AADK’s official report.
Transport companies that fail to ensure their drivers are free from drug abuse could also face enforcement action, including the suspension of their operator licences.
JPJ is now also taking a firmer approach towards offences involving foreign drivers operating vehicles without valid licences or lawful identification documents.
“If foreign drivers are found driving without a valid driving licence or legal identification documents, the vehicle will be seized and can only be released after the case has been settled in court.
“Previously, such offences could be compounded, but they must now be resolved through court proceedings. This reflects JPJ’s firm commitment to addressing the issue,” he said.
The Special Foreign Drivers Operation (Pewa) conducted from June 16 to July 6 saw 3,941 vehicles inspected across Sabah.
Action was taken against 218 vehicles, 28 vehicles seized, while 588 summons notices were issued for various offences.
The operation was carried out statewide and reinforced through intelligence gathering and enforcement patrols conducted at Sabah JPJ’s six enforcement stations.
According to him, approximately 100 personnel from various agencies were involved in the operation, including 50 JPJ personnel, as well as officers from the PDRM, AADK and the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP).
“The close cooperation between agencies demonstrates that the government does not operate in silos. Our primary objective is to ensure road users feel safe and to strengthen the perception that offenders face a high likelihood of being apprehended.
“When the presence of enforcement officers is clearly felt on the ground, compliance with road traffic laws will also improve,” he said.
He also reminded vehicle owners not to allow foreign nationals without valid driving licences or lawful identification documents to operate their vehicles, as legal action may also be taken against the vehicle owners concerned.
“Sabah JPJ will continue to intensify enforcement operations in a structured and strategic manner, while taking into consideration information and complaints from the public to ensure that the safety of road users is always protected,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tuesday’s operation saw 461 vehicles inspected, resulting in the issuance of 178 summons notices and 12 vehicle inspection directives.
Three individuals were also detected for drug-related offences during the operation.
