SIBU: The Sarawak Road Transport Department (JPJ) is currently conducting inspections on express buses operating in the state in conjunction with the upcoming Christmas celebration to ensure that these vehicles are always in a safe condition for use.
Its director, Norizan Jili, stated that the purpose of conducting these inspections, especially before major festive seasons celebrated in Sarawak, including Christmas, is to ensure smooth and safe journeys for the public using express bus services to return to their respective hometowns.
For this year’s Christmas season, he mentioned that inspections of express buses at company depots have been carried out since Dec 19, in addition to similar inspections at bus terminals throughout the state.
“We urge bus operators to ensure their buses are always in good condition before commencing the journey. Sarawak JPJ will ensure inspections on buses are conducted before moving to designated destinations,” he explained.
He stated that inspections involve both physical and technical aspects, conducted by Road Transport Department vehicle inspectors (PKM). When all these aspects are confirmed to be in good and functional condition, a valid notice for seven days will be issued and affixed to the bus’s front mirror.
He said that this notice serves as a reference for JPJ enforcement officers in the field, indicating that the express bus has been inspected. For buses without the notice, on-site PKM checks will be carried out immediately.
In addition, he mentioned that JPJ, together with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), will ensure that express bus drivers in the state are free from drug influence, ensuring each journey reaches its destination safely.
Norizan stated that aside from focusing on the condition of express buses, Sarawak JPJ also conducts operations throughout the state to ensure road users always adhere to established regulations.
He emphasised the importance of cooperation from all road users to prevent accidents.
In this regard, he reminded road users to drive responsibly and not to speed excessively, even though Sarawak has well-constructed highways, as some areas are not fully completed.
