AUTHORITIES are stepping up the crackdown on public and commercial vehicle drivers driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
“The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) will be leading a series of joint operations nationwide during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive season,” said SPAD enforcement general manager Datuk Che Hasni Che Ahmad.
He said SPAD would go all out with its enforcement officers by setting up roadblocks at strategic locations, especially at bus terminals and stations.
Che Hasni described the effort as a precursor to the annual Op Selamat, which was usually held during major festive holidays.
Also involved in the operation are the police, Road Transport Department (RTD), National Anti-Drug Agency and National Registration Department (NRD).
A SPAD enforcement officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told the New Straits Times that authorities were focusing on three areas: Terminal Bersepadu Selatan and Pudu, as well as the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and klia2.
“Offenders should not take the risk by breaking the law because the punishment is heavy,” said Che Hasni, when met while overseeing a roadblock near the Sungai Besi toll plaza here last week.
In the operation, which began at 10.30pm on Tuesday and ended at 1.30am on Wednesday, five lorry drivers, aged between 30 and 50, were arrested for driving under the influence of drugs.
They were among 58 nabbed for various offences, including 33 cases under the police and 15 cases under the RTD.
He said companies with drivers with bad track record risked having their operations suspended.
“SPAD will check whether the companies have bad records involving drivers of similar offences in the past. If there are at least three bad records, SPAD will send its officers from the Industry Code of Practice (Safety, Health and Environment) to audit the companies.”
Che Hasni said SPAD was also on the lookout for touts selling fake tickets, or providing illegal taxi service to those planning to travel back to their hometowns.
Another source said SPAD would take action against those caught committing such offences.
“SPAD is aware that cheating cases involving the public will double during the festive season as many people are going back to their hometowns. Hence, the commission is monitoring the situation on a daily basis throughout the festive season. The focus is on public transport.
“SPAD will take stern action against taxi touts where they will have their vehicles confiscated according to the law under Section 16 of the Land Public Transport Act 2010.
“At the same time, those found to have violated Section 22 of the Land Public Transport Act 2010 can be fined no less than RM1,000 and up to RM500,000, or two years’ jail and/or both.”
The public are advised to buy their tickets at authorised counters. Those who buy them online are urged to check on the company’s status via www. spad.gov.my.