RTD deploys 2,000 personnel for Aidiladha road safety operation

KAJANG: The Road Transport Department (RTD) will deploy 2,000 enforcement personnel nationwide this week to improve road safety and reduce accidents in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha and the school holidays.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the operation will involve integrated enforcement with police, focusing on accident-prone hotspots and inspections of commercial vehicles, particularly express buses.

He said the operation will adopt the “Perception of Being Caught” (POBC) approach, where enforcement officers will be stationed at strategic locations to encourage motorists to drive more carefully.

“Our objective is not to issue summonses, but to ensure road users become more cautious when they see enforcement officers on the roads,” he told a press conference today after attending Carro Technology Sdn Bhd’s MV15 vehicle inspection centre.

Loke added that no roadblocks will be carried out during the festive season to avoid worsening traffic congestion.

However, he said RTD personnel will conduct monitoring and inspections at bus depots and terminals before buses depart.

He said enforcement officers will check drivers’ licences, road tax, insurance coverage and Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licences, while random drug screening tests will also be conducted on bus drivers.

“We want to ensure the drivers are fit and in good condition, and that the buses are roadworthy,” he said.

He said bus operators also have a responsibility to monitor their drivers and vehicles, warning that companies could face action from the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) if they fail to comply with safety requirements.

He added operators could face licence suspension if their drivers are found committing offences or violating regulations.

Commenting on a viral incident involving an express bus driver allegedly seen pouring liquid into a bottle while driving, Loke said RTD’s checks on bus drivers are conducted consistently, including periodic drug screening tests.

“Our officers cannot inspect every driver all the time, which is why bus companies also have responsibilities under their operating licence conditions,” he said.

He said the same integrated enforcement strategy used during previous festive periods will continue to be implemented to help reduce accidents during the increased traffic volume expected for the festive season.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

المصدر: New Straits Times