Going undercover to uncover bus drivers’ misconduct

Safety first: Lokman and a JPJ enforcement officer checking the tyre thread of a bus to ensure it is up to standard. — CHAN TAK KONG/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has deployed undercover officers to check whether bus drivers are adhering to the law.

Its senior enforcement director Datuk Lokman Jamaan said the operation, which will continue until April 20, is part of its efforts to reduce deaths from road accidents.

“So far, our undercover officers have gone on 84 buses. Of that number, there were 62 cases related to driver misconduct and dangerous driving,” he said.

Lokman urged the public to also become JPJ’s eyes and ears.

“If you are in a bus where the driver is driving dangerously, submit your complaint to us and we will take action because we want to stop such misconduct.

“Lodge your complaints with us through either the MyJPJ e-aduan@jpj mobile application or email us at [e-mail],” he added.

Lokman was speaking to reporters in a press conference at Terminal Bersepadu Selatan here yesterday before conducting inspections on several interstate buses leaving Kuala Lumpur, in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.

He said JPJ will not compromise with any bus company, owner or driver found to have broken the law.

“The department is determined to create a safe ecosystem for all road users.

“We aim to reduce the statistics of accidents and deaths due to road accidents.

“We call on all road users to cooperate... this is important for the safety of ourselves and our families,” he said.

He added that JPJ has so far conducted inspections on 3,799 buses at 54 depots and 28 terminals nationwide from April 1-7.

Out of those, he said 47 summonses have been issued for various reasons such as driver misconduct or not having Competent Driving Licence (CDL), while 42 have been issued with the Vehicle Use Prohibition Notice (PG1) for violating established technical regulations.

“A driving ban has also been issued on six bus drivers who failed their urine tests,” said Lokman, adding that a total of 244 bus drivers have been tested.

“Of the six, two are from Sarawak, another two from Kedah, and one each from Kelantan and Perak.

“What is surprising is that one of them is above the age of 60.

“JPJ will call on the bus company and a complete investigation report will be submitted to the Land Public Transport Agency for further action under Act 715.

“We will also suspend the drivers’ licence under Section 36 of Act 333 after verification extension obtained from National Anti-Drugs Agency,” he added.