Johor traffic offenders face maximum fines

JOHOR BARU: Traffic offenders in the state will be slapped with maximum fines during the Hari Raya festive period in light of the high number of fatalities during the same time last year.

Johor police chief Senior Deputy Comm Datuk Rusli Ahmad said 24 road accidents which claimed 25 lives were recorded during Hari Raya last year.

“Maximum compound fines will be imposed for six traffic offences to reduce the accidents statistics during the festive period.

“The offences include speeding, driving on the emergency lane, overtaking at double lines and failure to adhere to the traffic lights,” he said after handing out Hari Raya goodies to motorists during the launch of Ops Selamat 2015 near the Skudai toll plaza on the North-South Expressway here yesterday.

SDCP Rusli said the fatalities recorded during last year’s Ops Selamat from July 21 to Aug 4 involved motorcyclists and pillion riders.

“Nineteen motorcyclists and pillion riders were killed in road accidents last year while two other victims died in a car crash.

“Two lorry drivers also died while the deaths of two others involved other types of vehicles,” he said, adding that police also issued some 27,103 traffic summonses.

He advised motorists to drive safely as they head back to their hometowns to celebrate Hari Raya.

“If you are tired, please stop at rest areas for a break or switch drivers for the sake of the safety of your family and others on the road,” he added.

He said those returning to their hometowns should also inform the nearest police stations.

“We have provided forms for holiday-goers to fill in their particulars so that we can check the areas that need extra patrols.

“We will conduct patrols at least twice a day around the homes of those who seek our assistance,” he said.

SDCP Rusli said police made some 14,487 visits to 7,186 vacant homes during the Safe Home Campaign last Hari Raya period.