MELAKA: Eight heavy vehicle drivers and four lorry attendants have been arrested for driving under the influence of drugs on the North-South Expressway near the Jasin Toll Plaza here.
Melaka Road Transport Department (JPJ) director Siti Zarina Mohd Yusop said all 12 tested positive for various drugs during a joint enforcement operation conducted with the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) and the police.
"The operation reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring our transport sector is operated by drivers who are responsible, disciplined and free from drug abuse, while safeguarding the lives of other road users," she said on Monday (July 13).
Siti Zarina said those who tested positive would face action under the relevant laws, while JPJ had immediately suspended their Goods Driving Licence (GDL), pending investigations before further action is taken.
She said the operation, which began on July 1, saw 164 vehicles inspected, comprising 152 goods vehicles, nine tourism and three public service vehicles.
Besides drug-related offences, JPJ also detected 10 individuals driving without valid licences, expired driving licences, failure to possess or had expired valid Goods Driving Licences (GDL), and other offences under the Road Transport Act and related regulations.
