Police Detain 135 Drug-Positive Commercial Vehicle Drivers in Nationwide Enforcement Operations
KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 — Malaysian police have expressed growing concern over drug abuse among commercial vehicle drivers after 135 individuals tested positive for prohibited substances during a series of nationwide enforcement operations conducted over the past three months.
The arrests were made during 44 integrated operations carried out between April and June, targeting commercial transport operators travelling along the North-South Expressway and the East Coast Expressway.
Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) director Datuk Seri Muhammed Hasbullah Ali said the operation focused on drivers of heavy vehicles, including trailers, lorries, express buses, worker buses, school buses and vehicles transporting hazardous materials.
Of the 135 people detained, 121 were lorry drivers while the remaining 14 comprised other commercial vehicle operators.
A total of 713 urine screening tests were conducted throughout the operations, with nearly 90 per cent of those arrested found to have tested positive for drugs.
The large-scale enforcement exercise involved 627 personnel from multiple agencies, including 273 officers from JSPT, 31 personnel from the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) and 323 officers from the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK).
Speaking at a press conference at Bukit Aman, Muhammed Hasbullah said officers also inspected Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licences, Goods Driving Licences (GDL) and company documentation to ensure commercial drivers met legal and safety requirements.
“The objective is to ensure that only qualified, competent and drug-free drivers are allowed to operate commercial vehicles on public roads,” he said.
According to Muhammed Hasbullah, methamphetamine was the drug most frequently detected among the drivers screened during the operations.
He said investigations indicate that some commercial drivers resort to taking the stimulant in an attempt to remain alert during long hours behind the wheel.
“Some believe drug use is a shortcut to maintaining endurance during extended driving periods. However, while it may appear to improve alertness temporarily, it ultimately harms the individual and puts other road users at serious risk,” he said.
He warned that drug consumption significantly impairs a driver’s concentration, judgement and ability to control a vehicle, substantially increasing the likelihood of serious or fatal road accidents.
“The consequences extend beyond the individual driver. They can result in loss of life and significant economic and social costs to the country,” he added.
All 135 suspects have been charged under various provisions of Malaysia’s Dangerous Drugs Act.
Police said 27 individuals were charged under Section 3(1), three under Section 12(2), 101 under Section 15(1), three under Section 39A and one under Section 6 of the Act.
Muhammed Hasbullah said JSPT would continue intensifying enforcement efforts and would not compromise on offences involving commercial vehicle drivers operating under the influence of drugs.
He also urged transport companies and commercial vehicle operators to strengthen internal monitoring programmes and carry out regular screening of their drivers to ensure public safety on Malaysia’s roads.
