JPJ Seizes Two Lorries After Drivers, Owner Obstruct Enforcement

Heavy vehicle operators have been in the news lately since the authorities tightened their enforcement against overloaded truckers. Bernama reported that two drivers and an owner of a truck company allegedly impeded law enforcement officials from carrying out their responsibilities at Persiaran Perdana in Putrajaya.

Reports indicate that JPJ officers intercepted two truck drivers traveling from Dengkil to Kajang for suspected overloading. Instead of cooperating with the investigation, the individuals suddenly unloaded sand onto the road. Thankfully, no damage or injuries were reported.

“Moreover, the two lorry drivers damaged the tyres and their Global Positioning System (GPS) devices, rendering the vehicles’ engines inoperable. They then contacted the owner of the lorry company,” says Senior JPJ Director of Enforcement Muhammad Kifli Ma Hasan
The company owner soon arrived with associates who acted as 'tontos'. They obstructed JPJ officers on duty and threatened a tire mechanic that JPJ had hired to fix the two vehicles.

It was to the extent that JPJ officers had to stand vigil and spend three nights at the scene of the incident owing to disturbances by the tonto and the company's owner before both lorries could be successfully transported to the Semenyih Enforcement Station, Muhammad Kifli says.

Following the standoff where JPJ sought police assistance, three men in their 40s were arrested under Section 234C of the Land Public Transport Act 2010 (APAD Act 2010) for obstructing public officers from performing their duties.
Subsequently, the investigation files have been submitted to the Attorney-General's Chambers for review, and the authorities are awaiting further instructions from the deputy public prosecutor.

“According to Section (234C), if found guilty, those involved can face a fine not exceeding RM200,000 or a maximum imprisonment of two years or both.

“Action can also be taken under Section 57(3) of the APAD Act 2010 (for overloading), which stipulates a fine of not less than RM1,000 and not exceeding RM500,000, or a maximum imprisonment of two years, or both,” Muhammad Kifli said.


Transport Minister Anthony Loke had earlier cautioned "tontos" that the Road Transport Department (JPJ) would not be cowed by their threats. These individuals, allegedly hired by heavy vehicle operators, have been targeting JPJ enforcement officers, especially during operations focused on such vehicles.