JPJ inspects more than 500 express buses ahead of Hari Raya – operations to continue until April 8

The transport ministry says the road transport department (JPJ) inspected more than 500 express buses in a week-long operation that began on March 16, and issued 11 of the inspected buses with non-roadworthy notices, prohibiting them from being in use, The Star reports.

Transport minister Anthony Loke said that the operation, carried out at various bus terminals and depots ahead of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive season, was aimed at reminding express bus companies to ensure their vehicles are safe. He added that the department would be continuing its monitoring efforts throughout the festive period.

“From March 24, JPJ will have another operation over 16 days nationwide where we will again inspect express buses,” he said. The department will set up stations at various locations especially along accident-prone stretches and other strategic spots, with focus being given to routes from Kuala Lumpur to the east coast states as more express buses plied these routes.

Loke said some 2,500 JPJ officers will be working throughout the operation period to ensure all motorists complied with traffic rules. “Their leave has been frozen and the officers will be working on shifts throughout the day,” he said.

He said buses given special permits by the land public transport agency (APAD) will also be subjected to checks. Some 300 temporary permits have been issued to buses for them to operate during the Hari Raya holidays.

“It is my hope that bus companies will be vigilant as the JPJ will also conduct spot checks during the period. If they flout the regulations, their buses will not be allowed to operate. So, I would like to urge them to treat this seriously as we are serious in ensuring the passengers and other road users reach their destinations safely,” he said.

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