KENINGAU: The traffic police division issued 123 summonses for various offences during Ops Cantas Khas Trafik near the Department of Veterinary and Livestock Sebrang, Sook Road here, on July 2–4.
District police chief Deputy Superintendent Robert Salisip @ David told reporters at the location here yesterday that of the total, 16 ‘pirate’ vehicles were detained for further investigation.
He said the operation involved two police officers – traffic chief Inspector Ronaidi Jaafar and traffic investigating officer Inspector James Ding from the Keningau District police headquarters, and seven traffic policemen.
“This operation was assisted by traffic enforcement from the Sabah police headquarters, namely Assistant Superintendent Parum ak Niot and three other personnel.
“This operation focused on pirate taxi activities in this district where it is one of the activities that are illegal under Section 33 of the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board Act 1987,” he said.
He said subject to this Act, no person shall use any motor vehicle or cause or permit a motor vehicle to be used as a public service vehicle unless the vehicle has a valid licence granted under the Act to allow the carrying of passengers.
In other words, he said no one could use any motor vehicle to carry passengers without a valid permit.
“If found guilty, the offender shall be fined not less than RM1, 000 and not more than RM10, 000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or both.”
Robert advised road users in the area not to carry out activities that violated the law, and at the same time reminded the community to use the services of rental cars or licensed taxis.
According to him, the operation this time was also for overloaded vehicles, especially timber lorries and trucks transporting oil palm fruits.
He said as a result of the operation, 16 were arrested under Section 33 of the CVLB Act 1987, for carrying passengers without a permit, five illegal immigrants arrested under the Immigration Act involving four Indonesian men and a Filipino.
“Four arrests under Section 45A (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for driving under the influence of alcohol and summonses were also issued during the operation for various traffic offenses.
Robert said this operation would be continued from time to time to enlighten the public, especially road users, to always obey traffic laws to avoid any untoward incidents from happening.