Safety is paramount: Motorists driving through the JPJ special operation at Jalan Tambun, Ipoh. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star
IPOH: Of the over 20 motorcycles seized for various offences during a special pre-festivities operation, one particular case surprised even the Perak Road Transport Department (JPJ) – its insurance and road tax had not been renewed for 11 years.
Not only that, but the motorcyclist in question lacked a rider’s licence!
Perak JPJ chief Mohammad Yusoff Abustan said investigations were underway on the motorcycle’s ownership.
“We have taken the motorcycle back to our depot for checks. The road tax and insurance have not been renewed since 2014. The owner may have been able to avoid roadblocks in the past, but we have finally caught up with him.
“To me, this is an example of sheer irresponsibility by the owner. To make matters worse, the motorcycle also did not have side mirrors,” he told reporters during the operation at Jalan Tambun held in conjunction with Chinese New Year.
Mohammad Yusoff said the operation focused on traffic offences, illegal racing and unapproved modifications.
“We conducted the operation based on fatalities, with motorcycle and pillion riders constituting the majority of victims,” he added.
He also said bus drivers caught spitting while driving would be penalised.
“Such acts are disgusting, especially with passengers seated behind and other vehicles beside or behind. Bus drivers caught doing so can be fined RM300 under Rule 52 of the Road Traffic Rules 1959,” he said.
He also said plainclothes officers would be deployed as undercover passengers on buses to monitor compliance with traffic rules.