Kuala lumpur: The Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) will develop a profiling system involving drivers, companies, and commercial vehicles to strengthen efforts to curb drug- and alcohol-impaired driving. Bukit Aman JSPT Director Datuk Seri Muhammed Hasbullah Ali said the initiative is being refined as part of proposals to tighten enforcement, including ensuring companies that employ such drivers are also held accountable for offences committed.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the department is in the process of developing a profiling system for individuals, companies, and vehicles. JSPT is collaborating with the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) and has submitted proposals to the government to strengthen laws so that not only drivers are penalised, but companies that hire them are also held responsible. Muhammed Hasbullah emphasized that the move follows an increasing trend of commercial vehicle drivers being detected driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, posing significant risks to road safety.
Currently, under the Road Transport Act 1987, legal action is taken against individuals who commit offences. However, the department is proposing that employers or companies also be held responsible. Muhammed Hasbullah advised transport companies and commercial vehicle owners to conduct regular monitoring of their drivers, including urine screening tests, to ensure employees are not involved in drug abuse.
Meanwhile, 121 lorry drivers were among 135 individuals detained after testing positive for drugs in 44 joint operations targeting commercial vehicle drivers along the North-South Expressway and East Coast Expressway from April to June. A total of 713 urine screening tests were conducted during the operation period.
Nearly 90 per cent of those detained were commercial vehicle drivers, involving 121 lorry drivers and 14 others. Muhammed Hasbullah noted that methamphetamine was the most commonly detected drug among lorry drivers in these operations. Based on current trends, some drivers are believed to be using illicit substances as a shortcut to sustain long driving hours.
The operations, conducted by JSPT with cooperation from the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) Narcotics and the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), focused on trailer drivers, lorries, express buses, workers' buses, school buses, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials.