SEREMBAN: The integrated operation on heavy vehicles including lorries will continue to be tightened to ensure drivers comply with the rules and are not driving under the influence of drugs.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said operations were previously carried out by the Road Transport Department, targeting express and sightseeing bus drivers, many of whom tested positive for drugs.
“This is a problem that was taken seriously and we have launched an integrated operation in the last two months.
“Now we are focusing on commercial and heavy vehicles... stricter operations will be held to ensure that drivers of these heavy vehicles comply with the rules.
“Previously we targeted (operations) in some industrial areas and so on, so now we will expand it so that they are more careful,” he said after officiating the 20th Negri Sembilan DAP Ordinary Convention here yesterday, Bernama reported.
He was commenting on two cases of fatal accidents in this district recently involving two lorries. Based on police investigations, the drivers tested positive for methamphetamine.
In the meantime, Loke said action would also be taken against the employer of any driver who tests positive for drugs and ends up in an accident.
He said this is because company owners have the responsibility to ensure their drivers are prudent and do not abuse their licence or position and commit traffic offences.
“Not only the driver (faces action) but the company owner (too), we have done this in the case of the excursion bus that overturned and claimed two lives on the road in Genting Highlands on June 29,” he said.
