Kuala Lumpur:Two commercial vehicle drivers tested positive for methamphetamine during an integrated drug operation at the Duta Toll Plaza on September 22 and 23.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the tests were part of a collaboration between the Kuala Lumpur Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), involving 48 urine tests. JPJ director Hamidi Adam stated that the individuals were detained under Section 3(1) of the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 for further tests and investigation.
Hamidi explained that if the individuals are confirmed as drug addicts through the legal process, JPJ would take action under Section 36 of the Road Transport Act 1987, which could include suspending their driving licences. In the two-day operation, 275 commercial vehicles were inspected, resulting in 62 notices issued for various offences, such as lacking a Goods Driving Licence (GDL) and having tinted windows.
Hamidi also noted that 25 out of 341 drivers inspected in integrated drug operations up to September this year failed their initial urine tests. These included 23 goods vehicle drivers, one tour vehicle driver, and one public service vehicle driver.
He emphasized that JPJ would not tolerate driving under the influence of banned substances, as it poses a risk to other road users. Hamidi urged transport companies and operators to take driver monitoring and vehicle maintenance seriously, highlighting that road safety is a joint responsibility between drivers and those managing the vehicles.