Kuching is seeing tighter road enforcement as the Road Transport Department Malaysia steps up its presence for Hari Raya Aidilfitri travel.
On March 22, officers from JPJ Sarawak inspected 101 vehicles around Kuching. The checks turned up a mix of violations, drivers without valid licences, expired road tax, missing insurance, and vehicles with technical issues. Authorities said offenders were dealt with under existing laws, with no warnings in place of action.
This push in Kuching is part of a wider operation across the state. Earlier, JPJ Sarawak confirmed 500 officers would be deployed between March 13 and 29, lining up with the festive rush and school holidays. The aim stays simple: cut down accidents during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Inspections haven’t been limited to private vehicles. At Kuching Sentral Bus Terminal, officers have been checking express buses before departure. These checks focus on safety standards, especially important with the surge in passengers heading home.
Alongside enforcement, the department has been pushing awareness efforts. A recent roadshow at PETRONAS Metrocity Matang Station, held with PETRONAS, reminded drivers to stay alert and keep their vehicles road-ready. Similar outreach has taken place in Kota Samarahan and other busy areas.
On the national level, JPJ has added drones to its toolkit. In just three days, they picked up more than 2,000 traffic offences, things like illegal overtaking, running red lights, and misuse of emergency lanes. Those recordings are now being used as evidence for further action.
JPJ’s message is direct. Make sure your licence, insurance, and vehicle documents are in order. Check your car before long trips. Stay focused on the road. Festive travel brings heavier traffic, and small mistakes carry bigger risks.
With both enforcement and outreach in play, the department is making it clear: safer roads depend on drivers taking responsibility.
