Perak JPJ finds 39 drivers positive for drugs out of 153 screened, with 27 licences suspended in a statewide operation since July 1
GERIK: The Perak Road Transport Department (JPJ) detected 39 drivers who tested positive for drugs out of 153 commercial and public service vehicle drivers screened during an Integrated Drug Operation conducted statewide since July 1.
Its director Mohammad Yusoff Abustan said 27 driving licences were also suspended, adding that 38 of those tested positive were commercial vehicle drivers, while one was a public service vehicle driver.
“Of the 39 drivers, 18 tested positive for ketum, followed by methamphetamine (16), morphine (three) and cannabis (two).
“By location, the Gerik Enforcement Station recorded the highest number of cases with 11, followed by Taiping (eight), Seri Manjung and Tapah (seven each), Teluk Intan (4) and Kuala Kangsar Enforcement Station (two),” he told a press conference after the operation at the Gerik JPJ Enforcement Station here today.
Mohammad Yusoff said of the 27 suspended licences, 14 were Competent Driving Licences (CDL), while 13 were Goods Driving Licences (GDL).
He said Perak JPJ viewed drug abuse among commercial vehicle drivers seriously as it could endanger the safety of road users.
The operation targeted commercial, public service and tourist vehicle drivers at strategic locations, including rest and recreation (R&R) areas, bus terminals and sites identified through risk assessments and intelligence.
Mohammad Yusoff said the vocational licences of drivers who tested positive would be suspended pending the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) investigations, with further action taken in accordance with the law.
JPJ would also take action against transport companies that failed to ensure compliance with safety requirements, including through audits on driver management.
Conducted with AADK, the police (PDRM), Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and Puspakom, the initiative will continue throughout July to ensure only qualified and drug-free individuals operate commercial vehicles, he said.
