KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department (JSPT) hopes to reduce road accidents and fatalities through the emphasis on enforcement, investigations and integrity.
Its director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said they were looking at enhancing enforcement efforts which includes conducting more patrols at various hotspots nationwide.
"We also want to strengthen our investigation capabilities while also increasing the level of integrity of our personnel.
"To enhance our enforcement efforts, we have taken several measures including conducting joint operations with other agencies," he told reporters after attending the department's monthly assembly at Bukit Aman today.
He said the department was also conducting campaigns on road safety awareness such as the ones held at the Bentong toll plaza last month as well as the Sekolah Menengah Anderson, Ipoh in Perak.
"This is especially important in educating the public on the dangers of driving recklessly and to instill good values such as patience and being tolerant," he said.
During the assembly, 35 personnel received certificates for their excellence and dedication in dispensing their duties.
Mohd Yusri said through the efforts carried out by the department across the country, they have also indirectly helped other departments including narcotics and crime.
"This includes the arrest of an individual on Sept 18 along the North-South Expressway near Yong Peng, Johor that led to the seizure of ketamine, Erimin 5 and ecstasy pills worth RM20,863.
"On Sept 25, a team of eight personnel from Muar also arrested a man along Jalan Parit Buaya and seized 830 cartons of illicit cigarettes worth RM180,000.00.
"Two days later, six personnel from Bukit Aman arrested two Thai men and a man from China along KM26.4 of the North-South Expressway at Kedah.
"They also seized syabu and erimin 5 worth RM550,000," he said.
Mohd Yusri also noted a case at Penang where Corporal Nik Mohamad Faizal Nik Long was berated by a motorist who had been stopped for beating the red light.
"We advise all road users to obey the traffic laws and regulations in order to reduce accidents and fatalities.
"The role of parents and guardians in monitoring and supervising all the activities of their children who use cars and motorcycles is also very important to ensure that they are not involved in law violations such as driving or riding without a license, taking part in illegal racing and becoming street thugs," he said.