State JPJ director Abdul Hamed Akob said that the department would be intensifying its enforcement exercise throughout the festive period and their main focus will be along the places that had been categorised as death stretch.
“However, with the strength that we have it is impossible for us to patrol all the dangerous spots. In the coming festive season we will be on the lookout for these four dangerous stretches, from km 11 to 24 of Jalan Kuching-Serian, Jalan Bukit Sebangkoi, Sarikei (km 19 to 25), Jalan Oya Sibu (km 10 to 21) and Jalan Kidurong, Bintulu (km 5 to 22),” he pointed out.
He said this at a media conference on Ops Sikap XX11 which aimed to minimise road tragedies in conjunction with Hari Raya at the Biaramas Depot at Mile 8, Penrissen Road near here yesterday.
On the road safety campaign which will begin tomorrow (Sept 4) until Sept 19, Hamed said that about 80 enforcement officers will be deployed to patrol the areas to ensure that motorists drive with extra care to avoid any untoward incidents.
“This time our approach will be a bit different. We will not conduct static road blocks but our enforcement officers will be patrolling and are visible. We want to create a perception of being caught (POBC) among the road users,” he said.
Abdul Hamed said that this time their focus will be on public transport, particularly express buses, which travel on long distance and therefore these drivers should be road worthy at all time.
“We will continue to visit express bus companies to inspect their vehicles, brakes and tyres. Apart from that, their log books, co-drivers, and the necessary permits and licenses for vehicles and drivers will also be checked. We want to make sure that all the documents are valid,” he noted.
He said apart from the public transport, the department will also be monitoring taxis and hired vehicles for any possibilities of them committing offences such as over charging, failure to use metres for taxis in Kuching, Sibu and Miri, or refusing to take passengers.
“Passengers who encountered any of these situations can file their complaints directly to the JPJ enforcement officers on duty at the bus terminals in the major towns of the state. They can also call our control room at 082-628725 or email to p.sar@jpj.gov.my
Meanwhile, Abdul Hamed forewarned motorists to avoid being captured breaking the road traffic rules.
“Our officers will go undercover and take photos of people committing offences such as beating traffic lights, jump queue, overtaking on double line, reckless driving and overloading.
“Summonses will be issued to offenders and the compound for all offences will be a maximum RM300,” he warned.
On the other hand, he advised motorists to always be courteous when driving and before heading out on a long journey, make sure drivers have enough rest and vehicles are in good condition.
“Send your vehicles for servicing to ensure that they are roadworthy, especially if you plan to go on a long distance journey,” he said.
After the press conference, the enforcement officers inspected the Biaramas express buses to ensure that they are fit to go on the road.
Among those present at the press conference were State Road Safety Department (JKJR) director Rano Aylwino Akat, Biaramas Express Sdn Bhd director Henry Lai and the company’s manager Lai Sin Kiong.
