As Malaysians prepare for the busy Hari Raya Aidilfitri travel season, enforcement officers from the Johor Road Transport Department (JPJ) quietly boarded an express bus as ordinary passengers.
This undercover effort formed part of Ops Khas Hari Raya Aidilfitri (HRA) 2026, an operation aimed at keeping festive journeys safe for the thousands travelling between Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur.
Undercover operation on express buses
During the journey, officers closely observed the driver, and their findings raised significant concerns regarding passenger safety. JPJ caught the driver using a mobile phone while the vehicle was in motion.
Furthermore, the driver failed to maintain and update the mandatory Driver’s Log Book. Officers also discovered that the bus company had neglected to assign a second driver, despite the long-distance nature of the route.
Legal consequences and safety regulations
According to JPJ Johor, firm action will be taken against both the driver and the operating company for violating the Road Transport Act 1987 and its associated regulations.
The requirement for a second driver is primarily for safety and fatigue management. Under guidelines enforced by the JPJ, long-haul buses must ensure that drivers do not become overly tired. Neglecting these staffing requirements is a serious breach of road safety protocols.
Commitment to passenger safety
The department stressed that it will not tolerate any negligence that could endanger passengers, particularly during festive seasons when highways are heavily congested. They explained that undercover enforcement serves as both a deterrent and a reminder to the industry.
As noted in a JPJ Johor Facebook post, the department urges all bus operators to respect safety rules, maintain proper records, and ensure adequate staffing.
Through these initiatives, authorities hope every Hari Raya trip ends with families safely reunited rather than with preventable accidents.
Do you think JPJ should conduct more undercover operations to investigate bus drivers’ misconduct?
Also read: PDRM: Deceased 17yo Student Who Fled Police Was Avoiding Fines for Modified Motorcycle.
