JOHOR BARU: The state Road Transport Department (RTD) issued over 700 summonses for various offences during a seven-day operation that began on Dec 25 last year.
However, most offenders claimed ignorance of road safety regulations. When RTD enforcement officers pointed out non-compliance, most of them responded with "tak tahu" (didn't know).
State RTD director Azmil Zainal Adnan said the operation, codenamed "Op Khas Gempur Teknikal", was aimed at reducing road accidents and fatalities.
The operation focused on commercial vehicle owners and sought to ensure compliance with safety regulations and proper vehicle conditions.
He said after analysing the operation's data, RTD found a lack of awareness among offenders about traffic rules.
"Most offenders were unaware they had broken the rules and claimed ignorance," he said.
The data revealed that out of 3,480 commercial vehicles inspected, 706 notices were issued for various safety violations.
Analysis showed that 90 commercial vehicle motorists, or 13 per cent, were cited for overloading; 73, or 11 per cent, for driving without a vocational licence; and, 93, or six per cent, for technical offences.
Technical offences are violations related to vehicle conditions, specifications and regulatory compliance.
These offences include issues with vehicle components, documentation and adherence to prescribed standards, such as unauthorised modifications to the vehicle's structure, engine, or exhaust system, number plates, tinted windows, worn-out tyres, faulty reflectors and lights and non-compliant safety features.
Azmil said 428 vehicles were penalised, five were seized and 706 drivers were issued summonses.
Among the technical offences, 53 vehicles had worn-out tyres, 50 carried expired road taxes, and 24 lacked insurance coverage.
Azmil said the department took a zero-tolerance approach to safety breaches, which often cause accidents and fatalities.
"These are serious offences, and RTD will continue rigorous enforcement to foster a culture of prioritising road safety."
He also urged road users to prioritise safety, comply with traffic laws and report violations in real time via the MyJPJ app (eAduan@JPJ) or by email at aduantrafik@jpj.gov.my.