GEORGE TOWN: Only 962 people or two per cent of the total 48,113 traffic offenders in the state have come forward to settle their outstanding summonses following the nationwide crackdown on errant motorists.
The poor turnout has resulted in police continuing to hunt down the traffic offenders via additional roadblocks and frequent checks.
State traffic police chief Deputy Superintendent Tan Boon Hooi said up until yesterday, a total of 228 traffic offenders had been hauled up.
“Out of the 228 traffic offenders, a total of 23 traffic offenders had been brought to court while the others were out on bail.
“These errant motorists, who were charged in court, are those who have failed to pay up. They were picked up at roadblocks mostly,” he told the New Straits Times.
Tan had earlier estimated that at least 20 per cent of the total traffic offenders should settle their outstanding summonses.
“But, the situation is not what we expected. It is highly disappointing that only two per cent have come forward.
“Therefore, we will conduct more roadblocks and frequent random checks in all five districts to ensure the traffic offenders pay up,” he added.
The 48,113 summonses issued in Penang were accumulated between 2000 and 2014.
Ops Warta, which was launched earlier this month, is an ongoing operation to ensure that any outstanding warrants are settled before the year ends.