NIBONG TEBAL: A factory bus driver, entrusted with getting nine workers home safely, was allegedly high on methamphetamine while ferrying them from Perai to their hostel in Sungai Bakap.
The 45-year-old's journey only came to a halt when he tested positive for the illegal drug during a joint anti-drug operation by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) at the JPJ enforcement station in Valdor on Wednesday (Oct 21).
Checks also found that he held only a Goods Driving Licence (GDL) but did not have a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence.
"I normally drive the trailer. Not today," he told enforcement officers while being handcuffed yesterday.
Two other men were detained after testing positive for drugs - a 34-year-old lorry driver for opiates and a 38-year-old motorcyclist for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis.
Penang JPJ director Zulkifly Ismail said 35 cases involving drivers taking drugs were detected so far this year.
Of these, 23 involved methamphetamine, five cannabis, six ketum and one morphine.
By vehicle type, 22 cases involved lorries, 11 private vehicles and two public service vehicles, including buses.
He said some drivers claimed they took drugs to stay alert while driving at night, others are believed to be influenced by peers, although there was no specific reason given by those caught.
Zulkifly said JPJ could not wait for accidents to happen before taking action.
"Preventive measures and enforcement must be carried out proactively to identify risks before a tragedy happens,” he said.
Zulkifly stressed that road safety was not the responsibility of drivers alone, adding that employers and transport operators must ensure their drivers were qualified, fit and safe to work.
“Employers should also screen their drivers to determine whether they are fit and healthy to perform their duties.
"JPJ could also suspend driving and vocational licences, including GDL and PSV licences, of drivers found taking prohibited substances," he added.
The operation saw hundreds of motorcycles, apart from trucks and buses being diverted to the station where the drivers were inspected.
