SHAH ALAM: Action will be taken against Road Transport Department (JPJ) state directors and branch heads if their service counters are found closed to the public, warned director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli.
Since taking on the role, Aedy Fadly has stressed the need for improved public service.
“If this is not carried out, action can be taken against the state directors and branch heads. This was my clear message to them.
“This directive was also given to the highest federal management body. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar has underscored that those who are careless or fail to perform their duties could face disciplinary action,” Aedy Fadly told reporters after delivering his address at Selangor JPJ yesterday.
The warning follows a surprise inspection by Shamsul Azri at the JPJ Galleria counters in Putrajaya on Sept 2.
Shamsul Azri noted issues with long waiting times, broken chairs and inadequate ventilation, directing improvements in these areas.
In response, Aedy Fadly announced a phased improvement plan starting Sept 9, aimed at enhancing counter services nationwide to reduce congestion and waiting time.
Large haul: Aedy Fadly (centre) with luxury vehicles that were seized during the recent operations against illegal taxis in Klang Valley at Selangor JP.
Additionally, Selangor JPJ has deployed staff to assist the public with the MyJPJ application to streamline service.
On another matter, Aedy Fadly said JPJ had seized 21 vehicles, mainly luxury MPVs, used as illegal taxis to transport foreign tourists.
He said this crackdown, dubbed “Ops Khas Kenderaan Sapu”, was triggered by mounting complaints that foreign tourists in the Klang Valley were being fleeced and charged exorbitant fares.
“One case involved a tourist who paid S$300 (RM993) for a trip from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore when the actual fare should have been about RM300.
“We are clamping down on such illegal activities as it tarnishes the country’s image,” he said.
Aedy Fadly added that this is the first time that JPJ has targeted illegal taxi services operating from prominent hotels and tourist spots in the Klang Valley, noting that similar operations are typically conducted at major airports around the country.
Enforcement officers inspected 35 vehicles during the operation conducted between Sept 2 and 6, after which 21 were seized.
“A total of 21 summonses were issued against the owners of the vehicles and the drivers for abusing their Motor Vehicle Licence.
“The vehicle owners and drivers could face fines ranging from RM1,000 to RM10,000 or two years’ jail for the offence,” he said.
Aedy Fadly said JPJ suspects these illegal activities have been ongoing for a while with the help of third parties.
He added that JPJ will be working with the relevant tourism authorities to enhance enforcement against such activities.
The special operation, he said, will be expanded nationwide to safeguard the nation’s image as a premier tourist destination.
On a separate issue, Aedy Fadly said action will be taken against participants of the RXZ Members 6.0 gathering in Terengganu if they flout the law.
“The police and JPJ officials have met up with the organisers of the gathering and laid out conditions for the event as part of our pre-emptive action.
“If any laws are broken, we will be forced to take action,” he said.
The two-day event, starting today at the Terengganu Motorsport Circuit in Kuala Nerus, is expected to attract around 80,000 Yamaha RXZ motorcyclists and enthusiasts.
Controversy arose during last year’s gathering when a large number of motorcycles were seized with action taken against their owners.
Aedy Fadly assured that JPJ’s intention is not to disrupt the event but to ensure all safety regulations are adhered to.
