PETALING JAYA: Errant motorcycle riders beware, as PJ police are using drones for the first time, looking out for riders who did not use the designated motorcycle lanes along the Federal Highway.
Petaling Jaya OCPD Asst Comm Shahrulnizam Ja'afar said the operation, which was conducted along KM28.4 of the highway on Wednesday (June 11), focused on reducing the number of accidents involving motorcyclists, especially fatal ones along the Federal Highway.
"We are cooperating with the Police Air Unit (PGU) for the operation by using drones.
"Once the offender is spotted on the drone, they will be issued summonses on the spot.
"For the few exceptions that might have escaped, we would have already recorded their registration numbers, and summonses will be sent directly to their homes," he told reporters during the operation on Wednesday.
He urged motorcycle riders to use the designated lanes to lessen the risks of being involved in accidents and other hazards.
"I understand riders do not prefer to use the lanes as they are less than desirable, as some parts of the motorcycle lanes could be dark at night, while if it rains, such areas might also be flooded.
"Our operation is conducted during peak hours during the day, especially in the morning," he said.
A total of 47 summonses were issued for various offences, he said.
"Some 16 offences were detected using drones," he said.
Within 30 minutes, 32 summonses were issued during the operation, he said.
"Most of the summonses were issued to riders not using the designated motorcycle lanes under Section 79(2) of the Road Transport Act 1987," he said, adding that some 16km of the highway was under the jurisdiction of PJ police.
He stated that the operation aimed to enforce laws and raise awareness among road users, particularly motorcyclists, about the importance of complying with traffic regulations.
"We are focusing on motorcycle riders, as 70% of fatal accidents in the district involved them.
"We will continue to conduct such operations using drones from time to time," he said.
