Negri JPJ will start issuing summonses to road peddlers

State JPJ director Hanif Yusabra Yusuf (right) advising some of the fruit peddlers rounded up during an exercise along Jalan Rasah.

SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan Road Transport Department (JPJ) is done with advising fruit peddlers not to ply their trade along the roads or junctions and will start issuing summonses from now.

State JPJ director Hanif Yusabra Yusuf said motorists who buy these stuff, including pickled fruits or any other items from the peddlers, will also be issued with a summons.

"All these while, we have been advising them to stop conducting their businesses along the roads or junctions, and it is time to take action as we are still getting many complaints from the people.

"It is our hope that these peddlers will liaise with the local authorities where exactly they can operate," he told reporters when met during a JPJ raid at a traffic light junction along Jalan Rasah near here.

In the raid, nine youths were detained with the youngest being 16. However, they were not slapped with fines.

Hanif said Rule 10A(1) of the Road Safety Rules 1959 clearly stipulates that no one is allowed to sell or offer to sell any item to an individual travelling in a car along the road or a junction.

Rule 10A(2) also states that motorists are not allowed to buy them either.

Offenders can be jailed up to RM2,000 or jailed not more than six months upon conviction.

Hanif said the JPJ needs to be strict as it was not safe for the peddlers to walk in between traffic especially during peak hours.

"There are many hidden dangers on the road and the outcome can be tragic, especially when there are motorcyclists weaving in and out of traffic.

"So, this has to stop," he said, adding that these peddlers could also be seen plying their trade along roads in other districts in the state.

Hanif said in Seremban, these peddlers could often be seen at the traffic light junctions in Senawang, Taman Sri Mawar, D'Cattleya, Giant Senawang, Pusat Dakwah Paroi, Jalan Dato' Siamang Gagap, Sungai Ujong, Makam Haji Said and Middle Ring Road near the Seremban City Council building.