JOHOR BARU: A total of 44 summonses have been issued by the Johor Road Transport Department (JPJ) to buses for failing to provide a second driver on journeys exceeding 300km.
State director Azmil Zainal Adnan said most of the summonses were issued during enforcement operations carried out in conjunction with festive seasons.
“We also conduct routine checks at bus terminals and roadblocks to ensure operators comply with the ruling.
“It is compulsory for buses travelling more than 300km or for over four hours to have a second driver.
“We will not hesitate to take action against those who fail to do so,” he said in an interview.
Azmil said among the common excuses given by bus drivers were that they were using a replacement bus at the time.
“They would claim that their actual bus had broken down.
“Another excuse was that the company they work for did not provide a second driver,” he said, adding that JPJ would not entertain such excuses.
He urged drivers and bus operators to comply with the ruling under the Road Traffic Rules 1959, which were put in place to ensure the safety of both passengers and drivers.
“They should not take this matter lightly as it concerns public safety.
“Failure to comply not only endangers the lives of passengers but also their own.
“This is important because without a second driver, the risk of accidents due to fatigue and drowsiness is much higher,” he said.
Azmil also said operators should take the ruling seriously in view of Malaysia’s high rate of road accidents.
In March, The Star reported that one person dies in a road accident in Malaysia every one hour and 56 minutes.
According to the Global Burden of Disease 2024 report, Malaysia recorded the second highest road fatality rate among Asean nations in 2021.
The country recorded 23.7 road deaths per 100,000 people, trailing behind Thailand, which topped the list at 29.7.
