People Who Use The Emergency Lane Could End Up In Court This CNY
Stay safe on the road, everyone!
By Tang Ruxyn — 16 Jan 2017, 12:40 PM
The government will be enforcing stricter punishments on errant road users this Chinese New Year season
In an effort to deter motorists from not committing traffic offences that will put themselves and others in danger, the Transport Ministry said that it will impose a more severe penalty, which includes hauling traffic offenders straight to court, during the upcoming Ops Selamat.
The Road Transport Department (JPJ) will be organising Ops Selamat from 21 January to 5 February.
According to The Star, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said that there will be "no compromises" in penalising these motorists who violate road traffic safety rules even during this festive season.
"Those drivers (who commit) serious offences like overtaking on the double lanes or using the emergency lanes, will be taken straight to court," he was quoted as saying.
Liow told the media on Saturday, 14 January, that errant road users will no longer be issued a compound but instead, face the full force of the law in court.
He stressed that there must be a "serious measure to resolve the issue" as some actually take the compound too lightly.
He also revealed that there are about 480,000 accidents annually, resulting in 7,000 deaths.
"Government can only create awareness and remind the public but if we are to work together then the outcome will be better," he added, urging the public to realise they have a role to play in this collective responsibility to create safer roads for everyone.
Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri James Masing has welcomed the move of taking traffic offenders immediately to court
"If motorists fail to obey the traffic rules, then they should be penalised in accordance with the laws of the land."
"We have the necessary laws to prevent road accidents. It is a question of enforcement. If bringing the culprits immediately to court could reduce the number of traffic lawbreakers, so be it – I will support it," he was quoted as saying by The Borneo Post.
While expressing his support for the initiative, the Infrastructure Development and Transportation Minister also reminded road users to always be more alert and careful on the road.
However, it appears that the idea has drawn mixed reactions from local netizens
Many people have applauded the authorities for taking stricter measures to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities on the road.
Meanwhile, there are also others who are concerned about how much resources will be used to ensure a successful implementation.
