DUNGUN: The Terengganu Road Transport Department (JPJ) has detained 12 drivers of various types of vehicles after urine screenings on 235 individuals during the Integrated Drug Operation Against Commercial Vehicles in the state from Jan 1 to date.
State JPJ director Mohd Zamri Samion said that of the 12, five were commercial vehicle drivers while the rest drove other types of vehicles.
The operation was carried out following an increase in the number of accidents involving commercial vehicles, raising concerns about the safety of road users.
"At the same time, the Transport Ministry has also directed enhanced enforcement actions to ensure that every driver complies with the law and is free from the influence of drugs while driving," he said during an operation at the Paka Rest and Service Area (R&R) here on Thursday (July 16).
He said that in today's operation, 24 commercial vehicle drivers underwent urine screening tests, but none of the drivers tested positive for drugs.
Zamri said the operation was carried out with strategic agencies such as the National Anti-Drugs Agency, the Royal Malaysia Police, the Land Public Transport Agency, Puspakom, and the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry.
"There will be no compromise with drivers found to be under the influence of drugs or committing offences that can endanger the lives of road users," he said.
Zamri added that the operation also focused on other offences such as technical violations and traffic offences involving the Road Transport Act 1987, the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board Act 1987, and the Land Public Transport Act 2010.
"In addition to enforcement, this operation was also aimed at raising awareness among company owners and drivers to always comply with the law and enhance the 'perception of getting caught' approach," he said, as it encouraged more prudent and cautious behaviour on the road. – Bernama
