Albert (left) and other officers participating in an operation.
SIBU: Two school buses without variation permits were yesterday caught by Road Transport Department enforcement officers in Lundu.
RTD Sarawak assistant director (enforcement) Albert Clement said under Condition 9 of Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) Act, a school bus is exclusively for transporting school children, school staff or other institutions of learning.
“A variation permit is required beyond the stipulated usage.
“The two buses were not confiscated but the matter is being investigated by officers from CVLB under Section 19 of Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board,” Albert said yesterday.
He pointed out the case was the first of its nature in the state this year.
On a related matter, Albert reminded the public not to use ‘kereta sapu’ (illegal vans) as the vehicles are not covered by insurance.
Concerning their state-wide ‘Hari Raya Aidilfitri’ 2016 operation, he said it targeted express buses and all vehicles, including drivers of private vehicles.
The operation is aimed at reducing the rate of road accidents and deaths, besides inculcating the culture of safe driving and road courtesy among road users.
In addition, inspections are also carried out at express bus terminals in Kuching, Miri and Sibu to ensure all buses are roadworthy, he mentioned.
The public can forward their complaints by calling Sarawak JPJ’s hotline 082-628725.