SIBU: Motorists in Sarawak driving along the Pan Borneo Highway during the Chinese New Year (CNY) holidays and the school break are reminded to drive cautiously to avoid accidents.
State Road Transport Department (JPJ) Director, Norizan Jili, said drivers need to focus more on their driving as the number of vehicles on the roads during this period increases significantly.
“One of the main factors contributing to road accidents is human error, such as negligence and driving without sufficient rest, in addition to mechanical issues, road conditions, and weather,” he said.
“Drivers must take responsibility by avoiding driving when drowsy and should stop to rest at safe locations before continuing their journey,” he added in a press statement following an inspection of express buses at the Jalan Pahlawan Bus Terminal here with the JPJ enforcement team on Friday (Jan 24).
He added that JPJ has launched a special CNY 2025 operation nationwide, including in Sarawak, from Jan 20 to Feb 9, divided into two phases.
The first phase runs from Jan 20 to 28, while the second phase takes place from Jan 31 to Feb 9.
“JPJ Sarawak has deployed approximately 500 enforcement officers to carry out this year’s special CNY operation throughout Sarawak. The strategic objective of enforcement is to reduce accidents and fatalities caused by road crashes,” he said.
He also said that during the operation, various initiatives will be implemented, such as Ops Motosikal, Ops Kenderaan Perkhidmatan Awam and Ops Kenderaan Perkhidmatan Barangan, Ops Teknikal, and Ops 9 Big Sin.
“During the operation, JPJ will also enforce restrictions on goods vehicle operations on Jan 27 and 28 (before the festive period) and Feb 1 and 2 (after the festive period),” he added.
Norizan said JPJ enforcement teams would conduct monitoring and patrols to identify goods vehicles operating during the period.
“If any violations are detected, JPJ will issue a summons to the driver and impound the vehicle for 48 hours under Section 59 of the Road Transport Act (RTA) 1987,” he explained.
He also said that prior to the special CNY 2025 operation, JPJ conducted technical inspections of express buses at the depots of express bus operators across Sarawak for a week starting Jan 13 to ensure that these vehicles are safe to use on the road.
“JPJ will issue inspection slips valid for one week for express buses deemed safe for operation, which must be displayed on the front windshield of the bus.
“Meanwhile, buses found with technical issues will not be allowed to operate until the necessary repairs are completed,” he added.
He urged the public to act as JPJ’s eyes and ears by reporting any traffic offences they witness so that immediate action can be taken against offending drivers.
