If you’ve ever thought skipping the motorcycle lane wouldn’t get you caught, think again. The police are now watching from above.
For the first time ever, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has deployed drone technology to catch motorcyclists who refuse to use designated lanes on the Federal Highway.
The operation, dubbed Op Motosikal, kicked off at 11am yesterday (June 11) and within just one hour, 16 violations were already detected via the drone.
Escape? Nope, wait for it
The operation was carried out at KM28.4 of the Federal Highway, with a sharp focus on reducing traffic accidents involving motorcyclists, who are considered more vulnerable on the road.
According to Petaling Jaya District Police Chief ACP Shahrulnizam Ja’afar, the drone captured footage of riders veering out of the motorcycle lane. Offenders were stopped and slapped with a summons on the spot.
For those who escape or manage to flee, we’ve recorded their plate numbers and will be mailing the summons to their homes,” he told The Star.
In total, 47 summonses were issued throughout the operation. Out of that, 16 violations were detected within the first hour of drone surveillance, while 32 summonses were issued within just the first 30 minutes.
Some of the most frequently recorded offences included entering the main highway lanes instead of staying in the designated motorcycle path.
Others were caught using the emergency lane, while some were flagged for missing side mirrors, having non-compliant number plates, or installing modified exhaust pipes.
Most of these riders were fined under Section 79(2) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for failing to use the designated motorcycle lane.
Why are riders avoiding the lanes?
While the motorcycle lane exists to enhance rider safety, Shahrulnizam acknowledged that many bikers deliberately avoid it due to certain conditions.
Some areas of the lane are poorly lit at night, while others are prone to flooding during heavy rain.
Despite that, he stressed the importance of using these lanes, especially to prevent serious or fatal accidents.
He also noted that the Petaling Jaya district police oversee around 16 kilometres of the Federal Highway, where many of these violations and accidents occur.
70% of fatal crashes in PJ involve motorcycles
The use of drones isn’t just for show. It’s backed by data. Shahrulnizam revealed that about 70% of fatal road accidents in Petaling Jaya involve motorcyclists.
That’s why the police are ramping up efforts to monitor and enforce traffic regulations targeting this group specifically.
He added that Op Motosikal was designed not only to enforce the law but also to raise public awareness about road safety among motorcyclists.
The operation involved both aerial monitoring and on-ground presence at blackspot locations known for frequent crashes.
During the operation, a total of 55 vehicles and 61 individuals were inspected by the police.
Shahrulnizam assured that similar operations will continue to take place and that the police plan to make full use of drone technology to enhance enforcement and improve safety for all road users.
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