KUALA LUMPUR: The Road Transport Department (RTD) has launched a special operation to seize and confiscate commercial vehicles that fail to comply with regulations under the Land Public Transport Act 2010.
Director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said the operation follows a series of accidents and fatalities involving such vehicles.
He also said that strict enforcement is being carried out under provisions of the Act through the nationwide special operation known as 'Gempur Teknikal'.
"Under this enforcement action, company owners or vehicle operators will face penalties under Section 57 of the act for suspected violations of Operator Licence conditions, particularly failing to prioritise the safety of other road users," he said.
The announcement came on the heels of the tragic accident on Monday night that claimed seven lives, including that of a tour bus driver. The crash, which involved three vehicles, occurred at KM 204 of the North-South Expressway northbound near the Simpang Ampat Toll Plaza exit.
Commenting further, Aedy Fadly said the special operation will focus on enforcing regulations against commercial vehicles for offences such as overloading, technical violations, documentation errors, traffic offences, and manufacturing and usage-related technical breaches.
He added that the department will take uncompromising action against drivers or owners of commercial vehicles that fail to adhere to the rules under the Road Transport Act 1987 and its subsidiary regulations, the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board Act 1987 and the Land Public Transport Act 2010.
"Enhanced enforcement measures will be consistently increased and implemented to ensure road safety compliance across the country. The department takes a serious view of the trend of accidents involving commercial vehicles, which have led to the loss of lives of other road users."