The Ministry of Transport will expand anti-drug operations to ensure that no driver is driving under the influence.
When a Driver Is Tested Positive for Drugs, the Company Owner Will Also Face Consequences
The Malaysian Ministry of Transport plans to enact a stricter drug policy for heavy vehicle drivers to ensure that drivers are not driving under the influence.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said that the Road Transport Department (JPJ) had previously carried out several operations that targeted express and sightseeing bus drivers, and many drivers tested positive for drugs.
“This is a problem that was taken seriously and we have launched an integrated operation in the last two months. Now we are focusing on commercial and heavy vehicles… stricter operations will be held to ensure that drivers driving these heavy vehicles comply with the rules,” said Loke, as quoted by the Bernama news agency.
“Previously, we targeted (operations) in some industrial areas and so on, so now we will expand it so that they are more careful,” he added.
Two fatal accidents involving two lorries happened recently in Negeri Sembilan and, according to the police, the drivers were found positive for methamphetamine.
Consequences will also affect the owner or operator of the company whose drivers are found positive for drugs. Loke reminded that company owners have a responsibility to ensure that their drivers are prudent and do not abuse their license and position or commit traffic offences.
“Not only the driver (faces action) but the company owner. We have done this in the case of the excursion bus that overturned and claimed two lives on the road in Genting Highlands on June 29, where the driver and the company owner were charged in court for negligence,” he said.
