ALOR STAR: A lorry that was impounded nearly a year ago for overloading and modifications that breached road transport regulations has been permanently confiscated following a court order earlier this year.
Kedah Road Transport Department director Stien Van Lutam said the vehicle, driven by a 31-year-old man, was seized during a special operation targeting commercial vehicles, on Nov 7 at Kilometre-2, Jalan Sungai Karangan in Kulim.
He said the Kulim magistrate's court ordered the lorry's forfeiture on Jan 31 under Section 57(1)(b)(vi) of the Land Public Transport Act 2010 due to overloading offences.
"For goods vehicles carrying loads over 75 per cent of the limit, confiscation can occur under Section 80 of the Land Public Transport Act 2010.
"This demonstrates our ongoing commitment to strict enforcement, ensuring a safer road ecosystem for all users.
"Vehicles subject to forfeiture generally have a history of repeated offences," he said after joining the special operation at the North-South Expressway (Plus) Hutan Kampung Toll Plaza yesterday.
Stien said the special operation aims to curb accident rates, reduce severe injuries and fatalities on highways, alleviate traffic congestion, and promote legal compliance.
He said the initiative also improves the public order and safety compliance by detaining offenders through stringent enforcement.
"Overloading impacts brake systems and can lead to severe accidents for other road users. In our inspection tonight, we observed several vehicles in poor condition. We urge drivers to ensure their vehicles are in good order before setting off," he said.
Stien said the operation focuses on technical, traffic, and recurrent violations.
"As of yesterday, RTD had inspected 48,250 vehicles under this special operation. Of that number, 2,743 vehicles faced action, with 6,824 summons notices issued. Additionally, five commercial vehicles were seized for infractions, including expired road tax, no insurance, and overloading," he said.
Stien added that the operation involves RTD, Police, the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), and Plus, operating daily from 8am to 10pm throughout October, concluding tomorrow.
Three men were also detained by AADK in this operation for driving under the influence of drugs.