JPJ to conduct checks at bus terminals

The Star Online - 25 August 2007

By CHAN LI LEEN

TAIPING: Officers from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) will be stationed at all express bus terminals permanently to check vehicles and drivers before departures.

JPJ enforcement director Salim Parlan said the buses would not be allowed to leave the terminals if they fail to meet safety standards.

"If the drivers and co-drivers are not qualified or fit to make the journey, they too will be grounded,” he said at the Bukit Gantang rest area on the North-South Expressway near here Saturday.

He said the department’s enforcement officers had been stationed at all bus terminals with express bus services since the launching of Ops Bersih on Wednesday.

“Right now, we are operating from makeshift booths at the terminals but soon these will become permanent offices where passengers can also lodge complaints,” he said.

At least four officers would be stationed at the terminals with more during holidays and festive seasons, he said, adding that a meeting would be held on Tuesday with state enforcement chiefs and branch heads to get feedback on their needs and the number of officers required.

On the scope of inspections, Salim said his officers would go through the drivers’ logbooks to make sure that none of them had driven continuously for more than three hours.

“It is also to make sure that the drivers are assisted by co-drivers, have valid driving licences, do not have any outstanding summonses and are free from the influence of drugs,” he added.

As for buses, he said they would be scrutinised for technical failures that could lead to road accidents.

“The department has already asked for more manpower from the Public Services Department,” he said, adding that some 2,600 officers were involved in Ops Bersih.

Since the launch of the joint operation, he said the department has inspected a total of 4,781 vehicles nationwide and taken action against 363 vehicle owners with 790 summonses issued.

He said 26 drivers and passengers of vehicles were found to be under the influence of drugs.

Salim advised the public to report unscrupulous express bus operators who hike up their fares to the department at its 24-hour hotline 03-88866412 or call him directly at 019-2261214.