This goes to show that no one is above the law.
Earlier today, Malaysians were shocked when they heard that a high-ranking officer from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) was fined for driving on the emergency lane!
The officer in question is Datuk Yusoff Ayob, JPJ’s deputy director-general of planning and operations.
According to The Sun Daily, Datuk Yusoff was caught driving his car on the emergency lane at Lingkaran Putrajaya. The incident took place on October 7th last year.
Yusoff was charged in court today but he was represented by his special officer as Yusoff was needed else where. He pleaded guilty and was fined with RM600 by Magistrate Nik Isfahanie Tasnim Ab Rahman.
Source: Utusan
The offense is punishable under Section 119(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which provides a fine of up to RM2,000, or imprisonment for up to six months, or both, if found guilty.
Apparently Yusoff is not the first person to be charged for using the emergency lane.
On May 22 this year, 20 drivers were charged in court for hogging the emergency lane on the North-south Highway. Their irresponsible behaviour had stalled an emergency response team, which led to the unfortunate death of two motorcyclists.
All drivers pleaded guilty and were fined between RM1000 to RM2000.
Source: MMO
As expected, netizens quickly began to put in their two cents about Yusoff’s offense after it began to circulate online.
“He knows the rules well and yet set a bad example. The penalty should be RM2,000, not RM600. He should also relinquish his post as deputy director-general of JPJ,” commented one netizen.
“The fact that his case made it to court and he got fined is a good start. But his fine could have been a little higher considering he’s a high-ranking officer in JPJ,” said another netizen.
This is a lesson for all of us. Let’s be law-abiding citizens and keep the emergency lane clear for ambulances and other emergency services!
Also read: Policemen Awarded for Refusing RM1,300 Bribe, Shadily Returns to Ask for RM10,000
