Transport Minister Loke says JPJ will summon PH campaign workers filmed riding without helmets
PETALING JAYA: The Transport Ministry (MOT) is treating seriously a viral incident involving a group of Pakatan Harapan (PH) campaign workers, including from DAP, who were seen riding motorcycles without helmets during the Johor state election campaign, said Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook.
In a statement, today. Loke said his position has remained clear and consistent, recalling that he raised a similar issue involving Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders during the Slim by-election campaign nearly six years ago.
“There is nothing wrong with riding a motorcycle while campaigning, but every rider must wear a helmet and set a good example for the public,” he said, adding that this principle applies to all parties without exception, including PH’s own candidates and campaign workers, since road safety laws do not recognise political affiliation.
This follows a viral video showing DAP central executive committee member Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali, among others, riding motorcycles without helmets.
In addition to sharing pictures of the PH campaign workers riding their motorcycles without helmet, he also shared a picture of Umno Youth chief chief Dr Akmal Salleh and Sembrong MP Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein riding on motorcycles without helmets during Barisan Nasional (BN)’s campaign trail.
Loke said he had directed the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to issue summonses to anyone found in breach of the rule based on the viral video evidence, regardless of political background — including those involved in the PH campaign convoy in Johor.
“The law must be enforced fairly and justly for all Malaysians. I will not compromise on this principle even when it involves my own campaign allies,” he said, stressing that public safety takes precedence over any party’s political interests.
