Mohd Zolkafly says a total of 292 applications were received in 2023 to enter the food crop sector.
THE Perak Road Transport Department (JPJ) has issued 6,583 summonses in January this year, with commercial vehicles and lorries accounting for 1,207 summonses.
State infrastructure, energy, water and public transport committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said the department had collaborated with the police and Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD).
He said legal action would be taken against those found breaking traffic laws, including revoking the Goods Driving Licence (GDL), Public Service Vehicle (PSV) and Motor Vehicle Licence (LKM) for drivers and vehicle owners if they continue to violate regulations and endanger the lives of other road users.
“There is no compromise for those who commit traffic violations. Strict action will be taken according to the provisions of the Road Transport Act 1987,” he said during the question and answer session of the sitting.
He was replying to Noor Azman Ghazali (PN-Alor Pongsu) who asked about the repaired Changkat Lobak-Alor Pongsu Toll Exit road and if heavy and large lorries were allowed to use the road.
Noor Azman also asked if the department conducted inspections and carried out enforcement action.
Mohammad Nizar said the department was committed to continuous enforcement to ensure the safety of road users.
“The department is using three implementation methods, namely patrolling using JPJ vehicles, patrolling with vehicles without the JPJ logo and undercover operations.
“The Changkat Lobak to Alor Pongsu Toll Exit road is one of the areas monitored by the enforcement team,” he added.
Separately, the state Agriculture Department recorded a substantial increase in applications involving youths interested to enter the food crop sector.
Rural development, plantation, agriculture and food industry committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun said 292 applications were received last year.
There were a total of 99 applications in 2021.
No figures were given for 2022.
He said the increase reflected the state government’s commitment to empowering young farmers through the implementation of the Modern Young Farmers Brigade.
“This programme is specifically designed for individuals under 40, which provides full assistance under the state government including the provision fertiliser, pesticides, planting materials and irrigation systems.
“Strategies and actions for expanding new farm openings and utilising modern agricultural technologies are emphasised to ensure overall food crop production and reaching self-sufficiency for Perak,” he said.
He was replying to Wong May Ing (PH- Pantai Remis) who asked about the aid, incentives and programmes offered by the state government to encourage more youths and university graduates to enter the field of agriculture.
Mohd Zolkafly said the state government had also established several human capital development programmes for farmer entrepreneurs such as training and courses conducted at the department’s training centres.
