PUTRAJAYA: Action will be taken against individuals found riding a motorcycle without a helmet during the Johor state election campaign based on evidence from viral videos, says the Transport Ministry.
The ministry said it has directed the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to issue summonses to those identified from the videos.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said action would be taken regardless of political affiliation, including against Pakatan Harapan campaign workers, Bernama reported.
“My position has always been clear and consistent.
“When I raised the same issue involving Barisan Nasional leaders during the Slim (Perak) by-election campaign nearly six years ago, I stressed that there is nothing wrong with riding motorcycles while campaigning, but every rider must wear a helmet and set a good example for the public,” he said in a statement yesterday.
He noted that road safety laws do not distinguish between political parties and apply equally to everyone without exception, including Pakatan candidates and campaign workers.
Loke said the ministry viewed seriously the viral videos showing a group of Pakatan campaign workers, including those from DAP, riding motorcycles without a helmet during the Johor state election campaign.
“The law must be enforced fairly and equally on all Malaysians. I will not compromise on this principle, even if it involves my own campaign colleagues,” said Loke, who is also DAP secretary-general.
