“No one is above the law” – JSPT Director Says Beacons & Sirens Don’t Mean Drivers Can Simply Run Red Lights

On 19 August, a family of three were killed along Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, after an Immigration Department (JIM) ‘Black Maria’ lorry reportedly ran a red light and crashed into them.

A 50-year-old man driving a Proton Saga was travelling through the intersection after his traffic light turned green but reportedly could not avoid the Immigration lorry, resulting in a collision.

Shaik mohd firdaus shaikh yahya and his two daughters, siti norshazlin and siti darwisyah auni, were killed, while his wife was left severely injured.

“No one is above the law”

Following the tragic incident, Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) director Datuk Seri Muhammed Hasbullah Ali reminded motorists that using warning lights or sirens does not give any vehicle the right to run a red light or put other road users’ safety at risk.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday after visiting the accident scene at Maju Junction, Muhammed Hasbullah stressed that no one is above the law, even when responding to an emergency, as reported by Harian Metro.

He stressed that the ‘Black Maria’ lorry responding to an operation does not exempt its driver from following road laws.

“Regardless of how urgent the emergency is, when approaching a traffic light, the driver must first make sure there are no other vehicles before proceeding through the intersection,” he said.

He also explained that the use of special warning lights on vehicles is subject to the Sixth Schedule (Rule 24B) of the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Rules 1959.

He added that vehicles approaching a traffic light must always make sure the intersection is safe before proceeding, even when using beacon lights and sirens.

“During our engagement sessions, we made it clear that any vehicle, even in an emergency, must ensure that other road users are safe when approaching a traffic light before proceeding through the intersection.

“There has been a case previously where an ambulance driver was charged. This means they cannot simply use beacon lights and sirens to run a red light without first checking left and right. The safety of other road users is more important,” he said.

43yo driver of jim’s black maria truck, mohd akbar zainol

“Warning lights and sirens don’t give an automatic right of way”

Muhammed Hasbullah also clarified that having special warning lights or sirens does not automatically give a vehicle the right of way.

He said vehicles belonging to ministries or agencies established by the Federal or state governments that carry out investigative and enforcement functions, including JIM, are still subject to regulations governing the type and use of special warning lights.

Muhammed hasbullah ali

“Under Rule 9 of the Road Traffic Rules 1959, right of way over other traffic while carrying out emergency duties is given to certain vehicles, namely ambulances, the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM), the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Prisons Department and the Road Transport Department (JPJ).

“These vehicles must alert others of their presence using a siren, bell or two-tone horn as stipulated. However, the use of warning lights or sirens should not be seen as permission to ignore a red traffic light or disregard the safety of other road users,” he said.

He added that deliberately obstructing, blocking or tailgating an emergency response vehicle while it is carrying out its duties could also result in legal action.

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Also read: Immigration Dept’s ‘Black Maria’ Driver Pleads Not Guilty to 5 Charges Over Crash That Killed Family of 3