Three bus drivers in Sarawak test positive for drugs during Aidilfitri screening

SIBU (May 24): Three bus drivers in Sarawak tested positive for drugs during the recent Hari Raya Aidilfitri road safety programme.

Sarawak Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) chairman Michael Kong said two of the bus drivers were in Kuching and one was from Miri.

“As far as I know after their urine was screened positive for drugs, the case will be referred to an IO (investigation officer), who will work together with the DPP (deputy public prosecutor) to determine if they will be charged in court or not.

“From there, they will do a detailed test as the test here is only urine test,” he told reporters during the launch of the Gawai Dayak road safety campaign at the Sibu Express Bus Terminal last night.

He said the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) carried out urine screening tests on 284 bus drivers for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

“The urine screening test is important and effective and will be carried during each festive celebration. It is mandatory for bus drivers to undergo urine screening test before being allowed to depart from the bus terminal.

“We are taking proactive steps to ensure the drivers are capable of driving properly,” said Kong.

Beside urine screenings, Kong said the safety features of express buses are also inspected.

“JPJ (Road Transport Department) checks on the safety features of express buses such as brakes, lights, and tyres.

“There is a device to check the condition of the tyres and if they are near baldness, they will not be allowed to leave the terminal.

“Only when the driver goes through the test and vehicles are tested safe for travel, an approval sticker will be placed on the bus,” he explained.

Also involved in the programme are the police and Puspakom.

Among those present at the launch were Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Alice Lau, Sibu MP Oscar Ling, and former Bukit Assek assemblywoman Irene Chang.

A handout press release stated that the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety (Miros) found in a 2011 study that human error accounted for 80.6 per cent of road accidents, followed by road condition (13.2 per cent) and vehicle condition (6.2 per cent).

For public transportation, there was one fatality involving a bus driver last year.

A total of 335 public transportation buses are registered under LPKP in Sarawak, while there are 7,695 p-Hailing vehicle drivers registered.