LETTERS: We must assess the recent case of 14 bus drivers failing a drug test during a Road Transport Department (RTD) operation. Was it an isolated incident during the festive season, or is it a pervasive issue across the transport industry?
While laws mandate pre-employment, random drug and alcohol testing for commercial drivers, the effectiveness of these measures and the diligence of employers in implementing them remain in doubt.
Does a shortage of qualified drivers incentivise companies to relax testing procedures and safety standards for the sake of short-term operational needs?
Are there loopholes in testing protocols that allow individuals to bypass detection? Additionally, are the testing methods comprehensive?
Beyond stricter enforcement, we should understand and address the root causes that might be driving drug use among transport workers.
One potential factor is additional pay encouraging drivers to work excessive hours, leading to reliance on stimulants to stay awake.
This is concerning for drivers in high-risk categories, such as transporting hazardous materials and chemicals, where fatigue can have catastrophic consequences.
We must determine whether drivers are subjected to unrealistic scheduling or delivery quotas, leading to stress and reliance on drugs.
Such concerns mean that the authorities should check whether transport companies offer mental health resources and support to their drivers.
Perhaps, we can learn from industries known for their stringent safety protocols, like the oil and gas sector, which include:
FREQUENT random, advanced drug testing to ensure wider detection.
MANDATORY training on the dangers of drug use and addiction, along with mental health awareness and stress management techniques.
CONFIDENTIAL reporting systems for drivers to admit drug use or fatigue without fear of retribution; and
PROMOTING healthy work-life balance through fair scheduling and adequate rest periods.
The authorities, employers, and the public must collaborate to investigate the root causes of drug use among drivers, strengthen enforcement, and implement solutions to create a safer and more responsible transport system.
It is about the safety of everyone on the road. The case of the 14 bus drivers is the latest reminder of the potential dangers lurking within our transport system.
CHIN YEW SIN
Shah Alam, Selangor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times