IPOH: There will be a RM300 consequence for bus drivers caught spitting while driving, especially during the Perak Road Transport Department’s (JPJ) special Chinese New Year operations.
JPJ director Mohammad Yusoff Abustan said not only was such an act disgusting, but the authorities also want to ensure that drivers are focused on their job, especially when ferrying passengers.
"Such behaviour is not appropriate on the road, (out of consideration for) drivers of other vehicles who may be behind the bus.
“Bus drivers caught spitting can be fined RM300 under Rule 52 of the Road Traffic Rules 1959,” he told reporters during a special motorcycle operation held in conjunction with Chinese New Year on Jalan Tambun here on Tuesday (Jan 21).
Yusoff added that bus drivers caught smoking while driving would also be issued compound notices.
"We will also deploy plainclothes officers as undercover passengers to monitor bus drivers’ compliance with road rules.
“Drivers must not take this lightly, as we will have officers on board to ensure that they do not use their mobile phones while driving or commit other offences,” he added.
On the motorcycle operation, Yusoff said 21 motorcycles were seized, including one machine without road tax or insurance for the past 11 years.
He said the 21-year-old man riding the motorcycle did not possess a licence as well.
“He may have been able to avoid roadblocks before but today, he was finally caught.
“For me, this is an example of irresponsibility by the vehicle owner. The motorcycle also did not have side mirrors,” he added.
“This special motorcycle operation focused on various traffic offences, illegal racing, and modifications to motorcycle components.
“The owners may reclaim their vehicles once they can show proof that they have renewed their licences, insurance and road tax.
“Those who modified their motorcycles must get the illegal modifications removed before their vehicles can be claimed," he added.
Yusoff said the operation was scheduled to coincide with the festival because statistics showed that fatal accidents involving motorcycles are the highest compared to other vehicles.