Melaka: A driver and attendant of goods service vehicles (KPB) were detained after testing positive for drugs during a special director’s operation (overloading) conducted around Melaka from 10 pm yesterday until 9 am today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Melaka Road Transport Department (JPJ) deputy director Khairul Aswad Abdul Halim reported the incident involving the attendant of a lorry transporting bundled clothing from Kuala Lumpur. The attendant was detained after a urine test at Jalan Tun Hamzah found him positive for methamphetamine at about 11.30 pm. The lorry had been stopped for being overloaded with used clothing, and both the driver and attendant were tested by the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK).

In another case, a lorry driver in his 40s, transporting corn from Port Klang to Jasin, also tested positive for the same drug. Both individuals have been detained for further investigation.

Khairul Aswad stated that during the operation, 89 vehicles were inspected, with 21 ordered to undergo weighing. The operation involved 25 JPJ and five AADK personnel. Out of the vehicles inspected, 19 were found to be overloaded, one was within the limit, and another failed to appear for weighing.

The driver who did not attend the weighing session will receive a notice under Section 63(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 via registered post. A total of 43 notices were issued for various offences to the drivers of the inspected goods service vehicles.

Khairul Aswad noted that many KPB drivers admitted to carrying overloaded cargo to earn extra commissions or wages. He urged companies, owners, and drivers of goods service vehicles to comply with regulations and enhance commercial vehicle operational safety to ensure the safety of the road ecosystem for other users.