Kedah: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) issued 4,513 summonses after inspecting 13,902 commercial vehicles under the northern zone Ops Perang since October. Kedah JPJ director Stien Van Lutam stated that the integrated operation, which will run until December 31, is aimed at curbing non-compliance with road laws, particularly focusing on overloading offences involving commercial vehicles.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the operation is a strong stance against irresponsible operators and drivers who continue to flout regulations, posing risks to road users and causing damage to public infrastructure. The operation covers the regions of Kedah, Penang, and Perlis, and has been executed in phases: Penang from November 17 to 23, Kedah from November 24 to 30, and an integrated northern zone operation from December 19 to 21.

Van Lutam explained that 60 enforcement officers were deployed in each phase, conducting mobile patrols and static operations at strategic locations, including logistics routes and high-risk areas for overloading. Out of the summonses issued, 45 were directly related to overloading, with three cases exceeding 50 percent of the permitted limit. These severe cases will be prosecuted under Section 80 of the Land Public Transport Act 2010, which allows for heavy penalties, including vehicle forfeiture and actions against licences, permits, and vehicle owners.

To date, three vehicles have been forfeited during the operation - one in Penang and two in Kedah. Overall, six vehicles have been forfeited in Kedah from June to December this year. Van Lutam urged commercial vehicle drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and to adhere strictly to traffic regulations.

Meanwhile, summons collections in Kedah from the beginning of the year to date have totaled RM23,399,865, with RM20,049,665 collected through compounds and RM3,350,200 via court proceedings.