“Please don’t arrest me. I’ve already promised my wife and children that we would go out tomorrow. I promise I’ll change. I’ve realised my mistake.”
That was the plea from a 43-year-old cement lorry driver who was detained after testing positive for drugs during an integrated special operation targeting commercial vehicle drivers at the Jitra Toll Plaza heading south on Tuesday night.
The father of three said he had been on his way to deliver cement powder from Perlis to Perak when he was stopped by enforcement officers from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) at the toll plaza.
“I took drugs when my body felt extremely tired, to give me energy. I admit I was wrong and I won’t do it again. My wife will definitely be angry because she doesn’t know I take drugs.
“Tomorrow, I had already promised to take my wife and children swimming and for a day out in Penang. Please, sir, don’t arrest me,” he pleaded with the AADK and JPJ officers.
The man, who lives in Pendang, admitted that he had been taking methamphetamine for about 15 years, starting when he was working as a contract labourer, and had previously been arrested.
“I tried to stop and managed to withstand the addiction for up to two weeks. I could cope, but during the first three days, my body became weak and I was slow to pick up,” he claimed.
Kedah JPJ director Stien Van Lutam said drivers who test positive for drugs and face action by AADK would also be subject to JPJ administrative action under the provisions currently in force.
“Among the actions that will be taken are the suspension of the Competent Driving Licence (CDL) and Vocational Licence until the AADK investigation and action are completed.
“The Vocational Licence will also be suspended for three months, subject to the applicable provisions and regulations. This demonstrates that JPJ will not compromise with any commercial vehicle driver who takes the risk of driving after taking or abusing drugs,” he said.
He added that 123 commercial vehicle drivers had been inspected since July 1 under the integrated operation, which also involved the police, highway concessionaire and Department of Environment, with six drivers subjected to action, including the suspension of their Goods Driving Licence (GDL).
“We urge all commercial vehicle drivers to always prioritise their own safety and that of other road users. Never drive under the influence of drugs, alcohol or any substance that could affect your ability to control a vehicle.
“Commercial vehicles are heavy and large. A small mistake can lead to serious consequences, including loss of life,” he said.
