The Road Transport Department Malaysia (JPJ) will deploy six high-capability drones to monitor and detect traffic violations from the air during the implementation of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri special operation.
JPJ director-general Aedy Fadly Ramli said the drones will be flown over 288 identified hotspots nationwide, areas known for high accident rates and heavy traffic congestion.
The locations include major routes heading towards the East Coast states of Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu, as well as southern routes leading to Johor and key highways in the northern region of the country.
Technology-Driven Enforcement
According to Aedy Fadly, the enhanced enforcement approach focuses on leveraging modern technology and strengthening surveillance to curb traffic offences, particularly as vehicle numbers are expected to surge during the festive travel period.
“The drones are equipped with cameras capable of zooming up to 200 times, allowing enforcement officers to clearly identify vehicle registration numbers from a considerable distance,” he said during JPJ’s breaking-fast event with media representatives last night.
He added that images and video recordings captured by the drones will be stored and used as supporting evidence during investigations.
Drone Footage Used As Supporting Evidence
Drivers found committing traffic offences will be issued a Notice of Interview (Notice 114) under the Road Transport Act 1987.
Those receiving the notice will be required to attend a JPJ office for further investigation, where drone footage may be presented as supporting evidence.
Aedy Fadly clarified that, for now, drone recordings will only serve as supplementary evidence and will not be used to directly issue summonses, unlike offences detected through the Automated Awareness Safety System (AWAS).
Authorities say aerial monitoring allows enforcement officers to gain a broader view of traffic movement and detect violations that are difficult to identify through conventional ground patrols.
Nearly 3,000 Officers Mobilised
In conjunction with the operation, nearly 3,000 JPJ personnel will be deployed nationwide between March 13 and March 19, with departmental vehicles assigned to conduct patrols along major roads and highways.
Aedy Fadly also stressed that enforcement efforts will prioritise motorists misusing emergency lanes, which authorities consider a serious offence.
Statistics show that 12,164 cases of emergency lane misuse were recorded between 2023 and February this year, including 689 cases detected between January and February 2026.
“Emergency lanes are designated strictly for emergencies and must not be used arbitrarily,” he said, urging motorists to comply with traffic regulations to ensure safer journeys during the festive season.
