GOMBAK: The Road Transport Department (RTD) has inspected over 19,000 express and tour buses across the nation as part of a comprehensive safety operation conducted between July 2 and July 31.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said that the checks resulted in actions taken against 667 buses, comprising 417 tour buses and 250 express buses, for various offences.
"The special operations' focus was on ensuring all tour and express buses were in safe condition and drivers had competent licences, with vehicles complying with all legal provisions," he said during a press briefing at the RTD's Gombak Enforcement Station.
The RTD, in collaboration with the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), also conducted urine tests on bus drivers.
"As of Aug 5, a total of 21 drivers were found positive for drugs out of 276 commercial vehicle drivers tested. This means that in every 13 drivers tested, one is under the influence of drugs while driving, which is a worrying situation," he added.
The special operations also aimed at ensuring that commercial vehicles adhere to technical, traffic, and legal standards.
The RTD is continuing its focus on these areas with ongoing operations throughout the month.
Present at the event were RTD director-general Aedy Fadly Ramli, Kuala Lumpur RTD director Mohd Zaki Ismail, and Bentong police chief Supt Zaiham Mohd Kahar.