TEMERLOH: Ten of the 351 commercial vehicle drivers screened by the Pahang Road Transport Department (JPJ) during its Integrated Anti-Drug Operation at 10 strategic locations across the state since July 1 have tested positive for drugs.
Pahang JPJ director Syed Ahmad Khirulanwar Alyahya Syed Abdul Rahman said the operation, now into its 14th day, focused on drivers of commercial, public service and tourism vehicles.
He added that it was carried out in collaboration with the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centres (PUSPAKOM), highway concessionaires and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
“So far, the 10 drug positive cases detected involved heavy vehicle drivers aged between 29 and 55.
“Action against them was taken according to the jurisdiction of AADK, while JPJ has suspended their Goods Driving Licences (GDLs) pending investigations before further action is taken under the relevant laws,” he told a media conference at the Temerloh Rest and Service (R&R) areas here yesterday.
He said that of the 10 operation locations, five cases were detected at the Temerloh R&R, with two each at the Benta Enforcement Station (SPK) and Paloh Hinai SPK, as well as one at the Maran SPK.
He added that most of the drug abuse cases among drivers involved were methamphetamine and the main factor in taking it was suspected to be to boost energy levels and maintain focus while driving.
“These findings prove the need for continuous enforcement operations to ensure that only drivers who are actually qualified, possess integrity and are free from drug abuse are allowed to operate commercial vehicles on public roads,” he said.
He said checks also revealed that one of the drivers who tested positive for drugs had a record of 42 JPJ summonses, all of which had been settled, while another had 11 summonses and several others had between one and nine summonses.
He added that the records showed that some drivers are repeat offenders, which is a matter of concern for the authorities even though all the summonses have been settled.
— BERNAMA
