The Road Transport Department (JPJ) is tightening its stance on commercial vehicle safety by suspending the licences of drivers involved in accidents pending investigation.
According to JPJ Director-General Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli, the move affects holders of both Public Service Vehicle (PSV) and Goods Driving Licence (GDL). Should police investigations find them at fault, their licences will be permanently revoked.
“To ensure commercial vehicle drivers remain competent, the department will require those suspended to attend and pass a refresher course before their licences are reactivated or removed from the suspension list,” he said.
The course will be organised by JPJ at selected locations, with fees imposed to cover operational costs.
Aedy was speaking at a recent B2 licence presentation ceremony, where he also confirmed that five commercial vehicle drivers had already been suspended. This includes drivers involved in the fatal Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) lorry crash in Teluk Intan, and a separate case in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, where a bus struck a height restriction barrier.
In a separate development, JPJ has issued 510 compound notices to express buses, tour buses, and goods vehicles since the phased enforcement of mandatory seat belt use began on July 1.
Of these, 80 were issued to drivers, while 396 were directed at passengers and attendants.
Aedy reminded bus drivers that it is their responsibility to ensure all passengers are buckled up before departure, warning that compounds will be issued if they are found negligent.
Source: The Star
