SIBU (Jan 24): The Road Transport Department (JPJ) Sarawak has deployed 500 enforcement officers statewide as part of a special Chinese New Year (CNY) road safety operation, according to its director, Norizan Jili.
The operation, which runs nationwide from Jan 20 to Feb 9, is divided into two phases. The first phase is from Jan 20 to 28, while the second phase will be from Jan 31 to Feb 9. The initiative includes sub-operations like Ops Motosikal, Ops Public Service Vehicles (KPA), Ops Goods Vehicles (KPB), Ops Technical, and Ops 9 Big Sin.
“This enforcement aims to reduce road accidents and fatalities during the festive season,” said Norizan in a statement issued during an inspection of express buses at the Jalan Pahlawan Bus Terminal.
Key measures include a strict ban on goods vehicles on public roads during peak days—Jan 27, 28, and Feb 1, 2. Violators face summonses and a 48-hour vehicle impoundment under Section 59 of the Road Transport Act (RTA) 1987. Enforcement teams will actively monitor compliance throughout this period.
Since Jan 13, JPJ has been conducting technical inspections of express buses across Sarawak to ensure their roadworthiness. Buses passing the inspection are issued a one-week validity slip, which must be displayed on their front windshields. Buses that fail inspections are prohibited from operating until issues are resolved.
Norizan urged the public to report traffic violations and advised drivers traveling on the Pan Borneo Highway to prioritize safety, particularly during the festive period when road traffic spikes.
He also highlighted major causes of accidents, including driver negligence, insufficient rest, mechanical failures, road conditions, and weather.
