PUTRAJAYA: Transport Minister Anthony Loke has instructed the ministry and Road Transport Department (JPJ) to go all out with stronger enforcement of laws to ensure better road safety and to not cave in to political pressure.
He said while the JPJ will undergo a facelift that focuses on better customer service and digitalisation, road safety is another priority.
“We will go all out this year to enforce road safety laws this year.
“I have given my commitment and support to JPJ to enforce laws and take stringent action without having to be concerned.
“I know that there will be pressure when it comes to enforcement but I want to give my commitment to JPJ to not worry about political pressure although some parties would try to impose political pressure and so on. But this a matter of the law and human lives.
“We have the political will to ensure road safety,” Loke said during his speech at the launch of the JPJ’s new office here on Thursday (Jan 2).
Loke said one of the main issues that willl be prioritised this year is overloaded vehicles, adding that laws will be amended if needed to ensure the logistics sector complies with regulations.
“We have heard the excuses on overloading for years.
“We have to take this issue seriously and try to tackle the issue of overloading and minimise such incidents to ensure road safety,” he said.
Loke also said reducing accidents would also be one of the main targets for JPJ.
Another issue he highlighted was the lack of integrity in vehicle inspection, which resulted in approvals being given to vehicles that are unsafe technically and mechanically.
He said more proactive actions have to be taken in these areas.
“When we do our duty with integrity, we have to remember that every life saved is a mission accomplished,” he said.
He said other JPJ offices that are frequently congested will also undergo transformation to ensure better customer services.
Loke also announced that bidding for the special Putrajaya number plate will be available through the JPJeBid system from today until Jan 6.
