Lorry Operators Acts Like A Thug, Makes Threats, Turns off GPS - JPJ

Certain lorry drivers who were identified through Special Overload Operation called “Ops Khas Lebih Muatan” yesterday were using tactics such as threatening towing companies to avoid the weighing process when directed to do so by the Road Transport Department (JPJ).

The operation was carried out concurrently at five places, according to JPJ senior enforcement director Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan: Gunung Semanggol, Manjung, Seri Iskandar, and the North-South Highway (PLUS) in Changkat Jering (northbound). 

“They used GPS technology to disable the vehicle engine in certain areas before reaching the inspection site to avoid being directed to weigh their vehicles at nearby JPJ enforcement stations.

“When JPJ called in tow trucks to take the vehicles to the weighing station, the lorry operators contacted and threatened the towing companies not to send their vehicles to JPJ or face ‘consequences’,” he said.

According to Muhammad Kifli, the thug-like behaviour of the lorry drivers was intended to impede JPJ's enforcement efforts. Those responsible will face severe consequences, and they will be investigated under Section 234(C) of the Land Public Transport Act 2010 for interfering with public officials' ability to carry out their duties.
“We will also take stern action by submitting reports to the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) to suspend or revoke the licences of lorry operators who refuse to cooperate,” he added.

During the special operation, nine lorries were fined under Section 63(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 and Section 80 of the Land Public Transport Act. Four trucks carrying sand will be prosecuted for exceeding the allowable load limits, and two of them were seized for exceeding 71% overloading.
“One lorry was issued a compound for carrying excess load, one lorry driver fled, one lorry had its GPS disabled, and two failed to attend the weighing procedure. The seized vehicles have been taken to the JPJ Taiping branch for further action,” he added.