KUALA LUMPUR: Three express bus drivers were tested positive for drugs abuse while 1,264 summonses had been issued by authorities in the first three days of Op Aidilfitri that started on Monday.
The summonses were issued during a nationwide operation jointly-conducted by the Road Transport Department (RTD), traffic police, Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD), Department of Environment and Puspakom, aimed at lowering the accident rate and death toll during the festive season.
RTD director-general Datuk Ismail Ahmad said since the operation started, authorities have performed checks on 5,215 vehicles including over 3,000 express buses, lorries, as well as private cars.
“From the over 5,000 vehicles we checked, authorities issued 1,264 summonses to 936 drivers for various of fences.
“This includes 393 major offences including speeding, overtaking at double lines, and using cellular phone while driving; 320 offences related to driving licence, and absence of valid road tax (281),” he told reporters during a press conference held at the Sungai Besi toll plaza, here.
He said the three bus drivers tested positive for drugs were nabbed during spot checks at bus terminals in Negri Sembilan, Kedah and in the city.
Authorities have stationed their officers to perform checks at 63 bus depots and 31 bus terminals nationwide, besides random checks at 28 rest areas and placing undercover officers on board the public transport vehicles.
Meanwhile, SPAD enforcement division head Datuk Che Hasni Che Ahmad said bus passengers are urged to contact the department should they find the vehicle drivers are driving dangerously, speeding or commit any offences.
He said complainants can contact SPAD hotline at 1800-88- 7723, and the department have officers ready to take immediate action against errant public transport drivers.