Many lorry drivers caught using drugs during enforcement operations have claimed they took the substances to gain extra energy while driving, according to the Road Transport Department (JPJ).
Penang JPJ director Zulkifly Ismail said this was the most common excuse given by commercial vehicle drivers who tested positive for drugs during enforcement operations.
“From the enforcement we have carried out, many drivers claimed they used drugs to get more energy. That is the explanation we hear most often,” he told reporters after an Integrated Anti-Drug Operation targeting commercial vehicles at the Sungai Dua Toll Plaza southbound on Thursday night.
The operation, conducted between July 1 and Thursday, saw 121 commercial and private vehicle drivers undergo drug screening.
Of those tested, 12 individuals — comprising 10 commercial vehicle drivers and two private vehicle drivers, all Malaysian men aged between their 40s and 50s — were found to have used drugs.
Zulkifly said ketum was the most commonly detected substance, with six drivers testing positive, followed by methamphetamine (syabu) involving five drivers, while one driver tested positive for cannabis.
“The findings prove that some drivers are still operating vehicles while under the influence of drugs. This is a serious issue as it puts the lives of thousands of road users at risk every day,” he said.
He stressed that employers must ensure their drivers are free from drug abuse before allowing them to operate commercial vehicles.
Companies that fail to comply with licensing requirements may face action under the Land Public Transport Act (APAD), including the suspension of their operator’s licence.
“JPJ will not compromise with anyone caught driving commercial vehicles under the influence of drugs, as such irresponsible behaviour could cost innocent lives,” Zulkifly said.
He added that the integrated operation was conducted in collaboration with the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT), and PLUS Malaysia Berhad, with inspections focusing on toll plazas, enforcement stations and bus terminals to screen high-risk drivers.
