NIBONG TEBAL: A total 136 summonses, totalling more than RM40,000, were issued by the state Road Transport Department (RTD) against lorry drivers and their companies for various offences.
This follows a four-day special operation against commercial vehicles, which ends today.
State RTD director Adenan Md Isa said the commercial vehicles inspected included vehicle carriers and low loaders, tow trucks, garbage trucks or Roll on Roll Off (Roro).
He said they inspected 358 vehicles and action was taken against 102 for various offences.
"Besides the 136 summonses, we also issued another 88 notices.
"Among the notable offences include lorry drivers who drove without a driving license, commercial vehicle license and road tax," he told newsmen after inspecting commercial vehicles which were detained at the Valdor enforcement station here today.
Adenan said 35 lorry drivers were summoned for not having a driving license while 29 for not having a commercial vehicle license.
"All the drivers are locals. Previously, these types of vehicles were poorly inspected by the enforcement agencies causing lorry companies to daringly hire unlicensed drivers.
"Our main concern is the potential harm they may cause to other road users.
"It is highly dangerous for drivers who do not have a driving license and learn to operate a truck on their own instead of learning formally," he added.
Adenan said other offences include overloaded vehicles and rear suspension modifications.
"As for the Roro, they were mostly found to be carrying loads in excess of the permitted limit. Some were not only carrying garbage but other items such as rocks or sand.
"This type of lorries are only allowed to carry garbage or recycled garbage.
"Trucks under seven tonnes and below cannot carry more than 1.21 metres of rear suspension while lorries over seven tonnes, cannot exceed 1.5 metres. If it is too long, it cannot move especially on hilly roads. This will endanger vehicles behind," he said.
Adenan said the vehicles checked were also found to be using tyres that do not follow the specifications set.
"I want to warn all companies to hire lorry drivers who have a valid driving license and a commercial vehicle license as well as ensure their vehicles follow the rules set.
"We will continue this operation to inspect all types of vehicles so they do not endanger other road users," he added.