MIRI – A luxury sedan and two local compact cars were among the vehicles impounded during a rigorous road safety enforcement operation conducted by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) in Miri on Tuesday.
The initiative, dubbed Ops Patuh, saw officers patrolling high-traffic zones to ensure motorists adhered to national transport regulations.
The operation was personally overseen by the Director of JPJ Sarawak, Tuan Norizan bin Jili. His presence on the ground was intended to ensure that all enforcement actions were carried out with the highest levels of integrity and efficiency.
The department has stated that such direct supervision is part of a broader strategy to maintain transparency during field assignments.
During the sweep, enforcement officers inspected a total of 341 vehicles of various makes and models. While the majority of motorists were found to be in compliance, a significant number of infractions were recorded.
Common violations included driving without a valid licence, failing to use seat belts, and the dangerous habit of using mobile phones while operating a vehicle.
Furthermore, several vehicles were flagged for technical non-compliance, leading to the issuance of official notices. The most severe actions were taken against three specific vehicles: a luxury Chrysler 300, a Perodua Axia, and a Perodua Bezza.
These three cars were seized on the spot after officers discovered that their Motor Vehicle Licences (LKM) had expired. Compounding the legal breach, the owners had also failed to maintain valid insurance coverage, posing a significant risk to other road users in the event of an accident.
Under Malaysian law, operating a vehicle without active insurance and a road tax disc is a serious offence that warrants immediate impoundment.
JPJ Sarawak has reaffirmed its stance on road discipline, noting that there will be no compromise for those who deliberately ignore transport laws.
The department intends to intensify these patrol units across the state to reduce road accidents and ensure that all vehicles are roadworthy and legally documented.
Members of the public are urged to check the validity of their documents via the MyJPJ application to avoid similar enforcement actions.
The department reminded motorists that compliance is not merely about avoiding fines, but about ensuring the collective safety of the Sarawakian community.
