This ends now: JPJ armed and ready for 'war' on overloaded lorries


PUTRAJAYA: In its toughest enforcement operation against overloaded lorries yet, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) is set to begin a nationwide crackdown on Tuesday (Oct 13) – with its officers armed in anticipation of any intimidation by hired thugs.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the special operation, which runs until Dec 31, will see an "all-out war" declared on overloaded heavy vehicles in five zones: the north, south, east and west of the peninsula, and the Bornean states.

ALSO READ: Drivers ditch overloaded lorries before roadblock

He said each state will deploy four RTD enforcement teams at hotspots plied by overloaded lorries.

Loke said the officers will be equipped with body-worn cameras and pistols as a deterrent against tontos or thugs who are known to obstruct or threaten JPJ personnel during such operations.

"Each zone will have 12 active teams carrying out non-stop operations against these lorries.

"This has been going on for far too long and has severely damaged roads while endangering other motorists.

ALSO READ: Special task force to oversee heavy vehicle safety, says Loke

"It has to stop here. Repeat offenders will lose their operating permits for good. We will no longer compromise," he told a press conference at ministry headquarters after an event here on Tuesday.

The all-out enforcement against overloaded lorries was launched after a recent finding that almost 55% of 500 "high-risk" lorry operators repeatedly flouted traffic laws, especially exceeding weight limits.

 

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