RTD's new strategy in Aidilfitri operation yields positive impact

TAPAH: The Road Transport Department (RTD)'s new Education, Prevention and Enforcement strategy implemented in conjunction with Aidilfitri this year has had a positive impact, especially in reducing accidents.

RTD director-general Datuk Seri Shaharuddin Khalid said the strategy included going undercover in the bus, intelligence at the bus terminal and location as well as motorcycle patrols on the road.

He said the approach was considered effective by the drop in various summonses issued by 19 percent or 30,820 compared to 37,913 summonses recorded in the same period last year.

“This year we introduced RTD officers operating incognito as passengers in express buses and have issued 139 summonses to drivers of 658 buses.

“We also carried out checks at all bus terminals and found 11 bus drivers tested negative in urine tests and, if found guilty, their licences will be revoked,” he told reporters after monitoring the traffic by air around the Tapah Rest and Services Stop, northbound North-South Expressway (Plus) here.

According to Shaharuddin, enforcement of motorcycle patrols within two weeks of operation starting from June 8 have issued 5,341 summonses for various offences including for having no driving licence and for vehicles with expired road tax.

He said as many as 200 RTD motorcycles have been mobilised to patrol the accident hot spots. – Bernama