New mobile app helps lorry drivers evade authorities
KUALA LUMPUR: Operators of illegal lorries plying the roads are now turning to a mobile application to evade roadblocks set up by the authorities.
They no longer depend on tontos (thugs) to get updates but are using Zello PTT Walkie-Talkie, a walkie-talkie app, to get information on roadblocks .
City Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department (TEID) deputy chief Superintendent Ahmad Adnan Basri said it was believed that lorry drivers had been using the app for some time, but was only recently discovered by the authorities.
“The application is accessible to anyone.
“They can download it on their phones to start communicating with each other.
“Traditional walkie-talkie has its limitation. Users can only communicate within a certain range, whereas, by using Zello, the message can reach anyone on the same channel nationwide.
“For example, Seremban lorry drivers will get information of roadblocks through the group, and they will just stop outside the city to avoid getting stopped by the authorities,” Adnan said after a joint operation in Jalan Tun Razak here, yesterday.
He said lorry operators had turned to this alternative as authorities could easily detect tontos.
“Now, enforcement officers can single out tontos by the vehicles they drive,” said Adnan, adding that the mobile application could also save on the lorry operators’ operating costs.
Last year, the Road Transport Department, with the help of police, launched Op Cantas Khas Tonto to battle rampant tonto activities.
Adnan said the pre-dawn joint operation conducted by TEID, Land Public Transport Commission and City Hall focused on heavy vehicles.
“Lorries are not allowed to enter the city from 6.30am to 9.30am and 4.30pm to 7.30pm, to reduce traffic congestion and accidents on roads.
“This year, since January to date, four fatal accidents involving collisions between motorcycles and lorries have been recorded.
“We want to stop that... these operations are needed,” he said.