SHAH ALAM: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has issued a stern warning to lorry owners and drivers flouting road regulations, including operating without valid road tax, insurance or mandatory inspections.
Senior enforcement director Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan said the department will no longer tolerate such violations. Stringent measures are proposed, including suspending operating licences, revoking lorry permits, and vehicle forfeiture.
"These actions are taken under the Land Public Transport Act 2010," he said at a press conference at the JPJ Enforcement Station in Elmina on Thursday (May 22).
So far, 135 vehicles have been seized under Section 80 of the Act across Selangor and Pahang.
"Of these, seven vehicles have been forfeited," he added, noting that most cases involved lorries carrying excessive loads.
Between 2019 and April this year, 513 companies have been proposed for suspension of their operational licences or vehicle permits. During the same period, 28 warning notices were also issued to the respective companies," he added.
Muhammad Kifli said that the JPJ would also initiate investigations under Section 234 of the same Act against individuals or companies obstructing enforcement officers during inspections.
In a related development, the JPJ has opened 17 investigation papers involving commercial vehicles such as lorries involved in accidents due to negligence or technical faults.
"Of these, 11 cases are still under investigation, three are being prosecuted, and one has led to a conviction," he said.
"One case is under review by the Deputy Public Prosecutor, while another involving a lorry crash in Rompin is awaiting a chemical report, as the driver was suspected to be under the influence of drugs," he added.
The move follows several fatal accidents involving heavy vehicles, including a recent incident in Teluk Intan that claimed the lives of nine Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) personnel.
"We will not compromise on road safety. Anyone who deliberately breaks road laws will face firm action," he stressed.
