KOTA BARU: More than 1,000 private vans in Kelantan are believed to be providing transport services for schoolchildren without meeting the requirements and regulations stipulated for public transport vehicles.
State Road Transport Department (JPJ) director Mohd Misuari Abdullah said of this total, about 100 vans had been detected operating in Kota Baru alone, with most being over 20 years old.
He stressed that his department views this activity seriously, as the use of private vehicles to transport schoolchildren on a commercial basis must comply with established licensing and permit requirements, as well as specific technical and safety standards.
“Following public complaints, Kelantan JPJ conducted an operation targeting Public Transport Service Vehicles around Kota Baru on Nov 5.
“During the operation, nine private vans were seized after they were found to be used as school transport without complying with the required regulations.
“A total of 20 summons notices were issued covering 18 instances of the misuse of Motor Vehicle Licences (LKM) and two cases involving expired LKM.
“Nine seizure notices were also issued under Section 64(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987,” he told said at the JPJ headquarters here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Mohd Misuari said that, in total, 29 enforcement actions were recorded during the operation.
He urged van owners and drivers not to take student safety lightly, ensuring their vehicles are in good condition and possess all valid documentation.
He emphasised that enforcement actions are intended not merely as punishment, but to safeguard passengers.
