A recent festive season road operation took an alarming turn when authorities discovered a bus driver ferrying passengers while under the influence of drugs.
On 10 June, an express bus driver in his 30s was arrested at the Gombak toll plaza after testing positive for morphine.
He was found to be transporting passengers from Lumut, Perak, to Kemaman, Terengganu, during Op Hari Raya Aidiladha, a joint operation by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and several other agencies.
Reported by FMT, the driver was detained by officers from the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) for further action under Section 3(1) of the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983.
Major operation targets safety ahead of festivities
Kuala Lumpur JPJ director Hamidi Adam explained that the operation, which kicked off at 1pm, was conducted in collaboration with the traffic investigation and enforcement department, AADK, and the tourism, arts and culture ministry.
The mission was clear which is to ensure that drivers especially those transporting large numbers of passengers were fit for the road.
Shocking violations beyond the drug case
The drug-related arrest wasn’t the only concerning discovery. Out of 620 vehicles inspected so far, action had been taken against 60 drivers.
A total of 139 offences were recorded, with expired road tax (33 cases), unlicensed drivers (28 cases), and lack of insurance coverage (28 cases) topping the list.
Authorities also found 15 vehicles with window tints exceeding the permitted limit and 10 cars with registration plates that did not adhere to specifications.
“We’re committed to ensuring road safety, especially during peak travel seasons,” said Hamidi at the Gombak enforcement station.
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