Kuala lumpur: Ten of the 351 commercial vehicle drivers screened by the Pahang Road Transport Department (JPJ) during its Integrated Anti-Drug Operation at 10 strategic locations across the state since July 1 have tested positive for drugs.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Pahang JPJ director Syed Ahmad Khirulanwar Alyahya Syed Abdul Rahman stated that the operation, now in its 14th day, targeted drivers of commercial, public service, and tourism vehicles. The initiative was conducted alongside the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centres (PUSPAKOM), highway concessionaires, and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

The director reported that the 10 drug-positive cases involved heavy vehicle drivers aged between 29 and 55. Actions have been taken against them under the jurisdiction of AADK, and JPJ has suspended their Goods Driving Licences (GDLs) pending investigations. Further actions will be taken according to relevant laws.

Of the 10 operation locations, five cases were detected at the Temerloh Rest and Service (RandR) area, with two each at the Benta Enforcement Station (SPK) and Paloh Hinai SPK, and one at the Maran SPK. Methamphetamine was commonly abused, suspected to be used to boost energy and maintain focus while driving.

The director emphasized the importance of ongoing enforcement operations to ensure only qualified drivers who are free from drug abuse are allowed to operate commercial vehicles on public roads. Checks also revealed one driver with a record of 42 JPJ summonses, all settled, and another with 11 summonses, while others had between one and nine summonses. These findings highlighted the concern of repeat offenders, even though the summonses were resolved.