The Malaysian police (PDRM) have asked the public not to share information on their operations relating to roadblocks to check motorists and vehicles. Such information is contributed by users of the Waze GPS route navigation app and alerts motorists to the presence of such operations on the road ahead of them.
Speaking at an event in Kuala Lumpur last night, Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Azmi Abu Kassim said such information will hamper enforcement efforts against motorists driving under the influence of alcohol (drunk drivers) and those who commit other traffic offences. When alerted, motorists who are aware that they can be caught for an offence may then avoid the roadblock.
Datuk Azmi is asking the public to cooperate with the police on this and not provide information that helps those who commit road offences. He said road-users should be aware of the dangers they face due to negligence from drunk drivers, those not stopping at red lights, driving against the flow of traffic and so on.
Even with the highways being so congested and traffic moving bumper to bumper in many sections, there are still motorists who can exceed the speed limits. Perhaps they let off the frustration of having been stuck in the long jam when they finally can start going faster.
According to the JPJ, over 5,000 vehicles were caught by the 29 AWAS (Automated Awareness Safety System) cameras that are installed along highways last Friday. The locations of the cameras are known to regular travellers but even for those who are not familiar, there are big yellow warning signs (at least three) before the camera location to alert motorists.
There are usually a few signboards positioned before the AWAS cameras so motorists should be aware of them ahead.
The JPJ also said that of the 236,671 vehicles which passed through traffic lights on the same day, 966 were caught by the 16 AWAS cameras when they continued through while the red light was showing.
5 offences cannot be compounded
Normally, these two offences are compoundable, meaning the motorists admit they broke the law and they pay a pre-determined fine. However, as a deterrent, the two offences – along with three others – cannot be compounded while Op Bersepadu is on between April 29 and May 8, 2022. Offenders will be required to go to court to have their cases heard and then charged accordingly. Apart from the fine, it can be inconvenient too as the court may be in another town.
Besides exceeding speed limits and not stopping at red lights, the other offences are driving on the emergency lane, using a mobile phone while driving and changing lanes recklessly.
Police also have Op Selamat
Besides some 2,200 personnel from JPJ being deployed during the Op Bersepadu period, around 3,000 police personnel will also be on duty nationwide during the PDRM’s Op Selamat 18/2022 which will be on before and after the Hari Raya holidays.
Although the police had earlier said they will detain motorists (and take them to a police station) with outstanding summonses and warrants of arrest, this will not be the case. According to Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) Director, Datuk Mat Kasim Karim, no action will be taken ‘as the police want to ensure road-users return home to their families safely’.
