RTD to act against drivers using mobile phones

ALOR STAR: The Road Transport Department will still act against drivers who take photos or videos even for the purpose of channeling information to the department.
Kedah RTD director Isma Suhaimi Sharif said this was because driving while using the mobile phone was an offence stipulated under Section 17A of the Road Transport Act, and the offenders could be fined RM300.
"Driving while using the mobile phone is also among the seven main offences which can result in court action and with no offer of compound penalty.
"We definitely encourage the public to channel information through various applications, but the photo or video should be taken by the passenger and not by the driver as this can be dangerous," he said after launching the state-level Chinese New Year 2017 Op, here on Wednesday night.
A total of 560 vehicles were checked during the operation, with 75 summons issued for various offences such as driving without a licence or expired road tax.
Sixty-five officers and other personnel from RTD, Department of Environment, National Anti-Drugs Agency, Royal Malaysian Police and Road Safety Department were involved in the operation.
The Chinese New Year Op is conducted simultaneously nationwide from Jan 21 to Feb 5, focusing on seven main offences such as driving on the emergency lane, beating the traffic light and overtaking at the double lines.
Until today, 1,562 vehicles were checked in Kedah, with 574 summonses issued for various offences. – Bernama