Latest news with #StienVanLutam
New Straits Times
16 hours ago
- New Straits Times
RTD probes red-light offenders caught on video near Alor Star school
ALOR STAR: The Road Transport Department (RTD) is investigating a video circulating online that shows several vehicles running a red light at a three-way junction in front of a school along Jalan Sultanah. The 32-second clip depicts at least a dozen motorists ignoring the red signal, which had been activated in all lanes to allow schoolchildren to cross. Some drivers were also seen travelling against the flow of traffic to beat the light. The area, which has four schools in close proximity, is known to be heavily congested during the morning school run. Kedah RTD director Stien Van Lutam confirmed that the department was aware of the incident. "We will investigate and take action if there are any violations," he said when contacted. He also reminded motorists to obey traffic rules at all times. "Running a red light is an offence under Section 79(2) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which requires drivers to comply with traffic signals, including red lights. The offence carries a fine of up to RM2,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both, for first-time offenders. "It is also a compoundable offence with a mandatory RM300 fine," he added.
The Sun
16 hours ago
- The Sun
RTD probes viral red light violations near Alor Star school
THE Road Transport Department (RTD) has launched an investigation into a viral video capturing multiple traffic violations at a school zone intersection along Jalan Sultanah in Alor Star, Kedah where numerous drivers were recorded ignoring traffic signals designed to protect schoolchildren. The 32-second footage via X, which has gained widespread attention online, documents approximately a dozen motorists disregarding a red traffic signal at a three-way junction positioned directly in front of educational institutions. The traffic light system had been activated across all lanes to create a safe crossing opportunity for students. The video reveals particularly concerning behaviour, with some drivers not only running the red light but also traveling in the wrong direction against traffic flow in their attempts to bypass the signal. This dangerous maneuvering puts both students and other road users at significant risk. The intersection in question serves a high-density educational area, with four schools located within close proximity to each other. This concentration of educational facilities creates naturally heavy traffic congestion during morning drop-off periods, making adherence to traffic regulations particularly crucial for student safety. Speaking to New Straits Times, Kedah RTD director Stien Van Lutam acknowledged the department's awareness of the incident and confirmed that appropriate investigative measures are underway. The department has committed to pursuing enforcement action against any drivers found to have violated traffic regulations captured in the footage. 'We will investigate and take action if there are any violations,' Van Lutam told the English daily, emphasising the department's commitment to addressing the dangerous driving behaviour documented in the viral clip. The RTD director used the opportunity to reinforce the importance of traffic law compliance, particularly in school zones where student safety is paramount. He stressed that all motorists must consistently obey traffic regulations regardless of circumstances or time constraints. Van Lutam outlined the serious legal consequences facing red light violators under Malaysian traffic law. Section 79(2) of the Road Transport Act 1987 specifically addresses compliance with traffic signals, including mandatory stops at red lights, establishing clear penalties for non-compliance. First-time offenders face substantial penalties including fines up to RM2,000, potential imprisonment for up to six months, or both sanctions combined, depending on the court's judgment. The severity of these penalties reflects the dangerous nature of red light violations and their potential consequences. Additionally, red light running constitutes a compoundable offense under current regulations, allowing for immediate resolution through a mandatory RM300 fine without requiring court proceedings. This enforcement mechanism enables swift action against violators while maintaining the deterrent effect of financial penalties.
The Star
03-07-2025
- The Star
Bus passengers urged to buckle up
ALOR SETAR: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has started enforcement to inspect express and tour buses in several states, in line with the Motor Vehicles (Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems) Regulations 1978 Amendment (2008), to see if drivers and passengers comply with the ruling to wear seat belts. The operations, which have been carried out since Tuesday, also found that although some buses had seat belts on the passenger seats, they were not in working condition. For the first offence of not wearing a seat belt, the fine is RM2,000 or a jail term of not more than six months. Kedah Road Transport Department (JPJ) director Stien Van Lutam said they will be using undercover enforcement tactics to detect express and tour bus drivers and passengers who do not wear seat belts. 'Our enforcement is not limited to roadblocks or checks at bus terminals and rest stops. 'Through undercover operations, if drivers or passengers are found not wearing seat belts – and there is visual evidence – a compound will be issued. 'The use of seat belts is ultimately for one's own safety. In the event of an accident, we want to prevent passengers from being thrown from their seats due to not wearing a seat belt,' he said, Bernama reported. He said this during a seat belt enforcement operation targeting express and tour buses at the Alor Setar Toll Plaza (northbound) on Tuesday. During the operation, which began around 4.30pm, a total of 18 express and tour buses were inspected. Sixteen compound notices and two warnings were issued to passengers for not wearing seat belts. He added that inspections also revealed that many seat belts on the buses were not functioning properly, and JPJ will continue to work with the Royal Malaysia Police and other agencies to carry out similar operations periodically. 'This is a matter of safety. I urge bus operators to ensure that seat belts are available and in good working condition. 'In many cases, seat belts are fitted with the seats, but they're damaged or not usable.' Over in Selangor, checks by the state JPJ showed a high level of compliance from bus passengers using their seat belts following inspections carried out on 56 express buses and 26 tour buses. Of that figure, at least five were inspected at the Dengkil R&R Centre yesterday. JPJ officers were seen flagging down buses nearby along the Elite highway before forwarding them to the checkpoints there. Passengers were seen complying dutifully, with some even finding time to wave at the waiting media. Selangor JPJ director Azrin Borhan, who was on the ground, also personally spoke to several passengers and showed them the proper usage of the seat belts. Speaking to reporters after the checks, he said that he was pleased with the level of compliance in the state. 'We had checked five buses by random here and all passengers were found to have been wearing seat belts. 'Drivers also play an important role in reminding their passengers before heading off on their journey,' he said. Azrin said while the JPJ will issue summonses to those who do not comply, they will give reminders to underage passengers. 'Throughout these two days, we have found that almost all had obeyed the ruling. Continuous efforts will be conducted to ensure enforcement,' he said. Buses that had faulty seat belts will also be given strict reminders to rectify them 'as soon as possible'. 'If they still refuse to do so and ferry passengers, the bus owner will be issued a summons,' he said.
The Sun
02-07-2025
- The Sun
JPJ uses undercover ops to enforce seatbelt rules on express buses
ALOR SETAR: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) will be using undercover enforcement tactics to detect express and tour bus drivers and passengers who fail to wear seatbelts. JPJ Kedah director Stien Van Lutam said the tactic enables immediate compound action to be taken against drivers and passengers who fail to comply with seatbelt regulations. 'Our enforcement is not limited to roadblocks or checks at bus terminals and rest stops. Through undercover operations, if drivers or passengers are found not wearing seatbelts - and there is visual evidence - a compound will be issued,' he said. 'The use of seatbelts is ultimately for one's own safety. In the event of an accident, we want to prevent passengers from being thrown from their seats due to not wearing a seatbelt. He said this during a seatbelt enforcement operation targeting express and tour buses at the Alor Setar Toll Plaza (northbound) yesterday. During the operation, which began around 4.30 pm, a total of 18 express and tour buses were inspected. Sixteen compound notices and two warnings were issued to passengers for not wearing seatbelts. He added that inspections also revealed that many seatbelts on the buses were not functioning properly, and JPJ will continue to collaborate with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and other relevant agencies to carry out similar operations periodically. 'This is a matter of safety. I urge bus operators to ensure that proper seatbelt facilities are available and in good working condition. In many cases, seatbelts are present on the seats, but they're damaged or unusable and that's unfair when enforcement is being carried out, but the facilities are inadequate. Starting yesterday, JPJ began full enforcement of seatbelt use for drivers and all passengers of express and tour buses, in line with the Motor Vehicles (Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems) Regulations 1978 Amendment (2008).
The Star
02-07-2025
- The Star
Buckle up: JPJ deploys undercover tactics to catch errant bus drivers, passengers
ALOR SETAR: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) will be using undercover enforcement tactics to detect express and tour bus drivers and passengers who fail to wear seatbelts. JPJ Kedah director Stien Van Lutam said the tactic enables immediate compound action to be taken against drivers and passengers who fail to comply with seatbelt regulations. "Our enforcement is not limited to roadblocks or checks at bus terminals and rest stops. Through undercover operations, if drivers or passengers are found not wearing seatbelts - and there is visual evidence - a compound will be issued," he said. "The use of seatbelts is ultimately for one's own safety. In the event of an accident, we want to prevent passengers from being thrown from their seats due to not wearing a seatbelt. He said this during a seatbelt enforcement operation targeting express and tour buses at the Alor Setar Toll Plaza (northbound) Tuesday (July 1). During the operation, which began around 4.30pm, a total of 18 express and tour buses were inspected. Sixteen compound notices and two warnings were issued to passengers for not wearing seatbelts. He added that inspections also revealed that many seatbelts on the buses were not functioning properly, and JPJ will continue to collaborate with the police and other relevant agencies to carry out similar operations periodically. "This is a matter of safety. I urge bus operators to ensure that proper seatbelt facilities are available and in good working condition. In many cases, seatbelts are present on the seats, but they're damaged or unusable, and that's unfair when enforcement is being carried out, but the facilities are inadequate. Starting July 1, JPJ began full enforcement of seatbelt use for drivers and all passengers of express and tour buses, in line with the Motor Vehicles (Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems) Regulations 1978 Amendment (2008). – Bernama
