PETALING JAYA: Two commercial vehicle drivers tested positive for drugs during an integrated enforcement operation conducted by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) Kuala Lumpur at the Gombak Toll Plaza on Saturday (July 4).
The operation, carried out in collaboration with the National Anti-Drugs Agency, the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department and the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, targeted commercial vehicle drivers to ensure they were fit to operate on public roads.
Kuala Lumpur JPJ director Hamidi Adam said the department viewed drug abuse among commercial vehicle drivers seriously as it posed a significant risk to road users.
"JPJ will not compromise against any driver found to have tested positive for drugs or committed offences under the relevant laws.
"The operation reflects our continued commitment to ensuring road safety remains a top priority," he said in a statement on Saturday (July 4).
A total of 228 commercial vehicles, including lorries and buses, were inspected during the operation involving 59 enforcement personnel from the participating agencies.
JPJ issued 75 notices for various offences under the Road Transport Act 1987, while one stage bus was seized for further action.
The Anti-Drugs Agency conducted urine screening on 74 drivers, with two testing positive for methamphetamine and cannabis.
The two men, aged 31 and 41, were identified as a timber jinker lorry driver and a rental car driver respectively. They were detained under Section 3(1) of the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 for further testing and investigation.
Hamidi said drivers who tested positive during the preliminary screening would face action by the agency, while JPJ would suspend their vocational licences (PSV/GDL) pending investigations.
"If they are confirmed as drug dependents through the legal process, JPJ will suspend their driving licences under Section 36 of the Road Transport Act 1987," he said.
He added that transport companies also had a responsibility to ensure their drivers complied with the law and were free from drug abuse, warning that companies could face action for employing drivers involved in drug-related offences.
During the same operation, Motac inspected 36 tourism vehicles and detected one offence involving the failure to use a licensed tourist guide. The case is being investigated under the Tourism Industry (Tour Operating Business and Travel Agency Business) Regulations 1992.
