Anthony Loke recently revealed a surprising fact – several tour bus drivers, express bus drivers, and commercial vehicle drivers tested positive for drugs while ON DUTY.
A total of 26 tour bus and express bus drivers were found positive for drugs during the Special Operation of Tourism and Public Service Vehicles from July 2 to 31.
In another Commercial Vehicle Special Operation from 1 to 5 August, a total of 276 commercial vehicle drivers underwent a urine screening. During this integrated operation carried out by the Road Transport Department (JPJ), 21 lorry drivers were arrested.
“This means that in every 13 drivers there is one person who is under the influence of drugs when carrying out their duty of driving on the road. This is a very worrying situation,” Anthony told the media during a press conference which was shared on his Facebook account.
“We can only charge them IF they get into an accident”
During the press conference, Anthony also said that current laws involving commercial vehicle drivers on drugs are not strict enough and that the authorities can only charge them if they get into an accident.
“If they are found to be on drugs but are not (or not yet) in an accident, we cannot charge them. At most, we can suspend their driving license,” Anthony explained.
The Ministry of Transport also said the government will re-evaluate the existing laws.
“We don’t want to wait until accidents happen. These drivers should be banned from the road.”
How do you think the drivers on duty under drug influence should be punished?
