Kuala Lumpur: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) and Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) are taking reports of dangerous driving and road bullying seriously, particularly those highlighted through viral videos, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced today. Loke emphasized the importance of swift action to ensure road safety and prevent incidents of road bullying.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Loke addressed the media at a press conference, stating that immediate steps were taken following a recent viral video. The footage showed an express bus driver engaging in reckless driving and making an obscene gesture after overtaking another vehicle. Loke revealed that he quickly contacted the director-generals of JPJ and APAD via WhatsApp to initiate action, resulting in APAD suspending the company’s operating license. “Don’t assume that viral videos are ineffective or that JPJ does not take action,” Loke remarked.

The Transport Minister was referring to APAD’s decision to suspend the Public Service Vehicle Operator’s Licence of Star Mart Express Sdn Bhd for 30 days, effective from July 3. This action was taken in response to the viral video, which depicted one of the company’s express bus drivers engaging in dangerous driving on June 12. The permit for the bus with registration number ALA 6666 has also been revoked as of August 7.

The video, which gained traction on social media on June 12, captured the driver speeding dangerously in the right lane, posing a threat to other road users. Loke urged the public, especially road users, to continue sharing videos and information related to dangerous driving or traffic violations to aid authorities in taking prompt action.

“I encourage the public to keep sharing such incidents. Even if you don’t report it to JPJ, just make it viral, that’s good enough for us to look into it,” Loke stated. He also advised that when recording such videos, it is crucial to ensure the vehicle’s registration number is clearly visible to facilitate verification and subsequent action.