By: Maahgeshan |22, October  2026

NIBONG TEBAL – The Penang Road Transport Department (JPJ), together with the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), has stepped up joint operations to curb substance abuse among commercial vehicle drivers, amid concerns that impaired fitness to drive could cause serious road accidents.

Penang JPJ director Zulkifly Ismail said the operation is part of proactive enforcement efforts in line with Budget 2027, which emphasises driver accountability and the use of monitoring technology for commercial vehicles.

He said the main goal is to prevent the practice of taking drugs to stay alert while driving from becoming normalised in the transport industry.

"We cannot act only after accidents happen. Preventive measures and enforcement must be carried out earlier to identify risks before tragedy strikes," he said at a press conference tonight.

Zulkifly also stressed that responsibility for safety does not rest on drivers alone, and that operators and logistics companies must also conduct health screenings to ensure drivers are fit and able to work.

35 cases since January

He said that from January to October 20, a total of 35 drivers were found to have used banned substances. Five driving licences and five vocational licences have been suspended.

Methamphetamine (shabu) accounted for the most cases at 23, followed by ketum (six cases), cannabis (five cases) and morphine (one case). By vehicle type, 22 cases involved lorry drivers, 11 involved private vehicles and two involved buses.

Two drivers test positive in last night's operation

In an operation that began at 6pm yesterday, two men aged between 30 and 40, a factory bus driver and a lorry driver, were confirmed positive for banned substances.

Enforcement officers found that most suspects believed taking banned substances gave them extra energy while driving, a belief that is false. Others admitted to being influenced by friends.

Enforcement to intensify

Penang JPJ will continue to step up targeted operations against high-risk commercial vehicles, while strengthening cooperation with AADK through enforcement, information sharing and drug prevention education programmes.

Drivers confirmed to have used banned substances may face suspension of their driving licence, vocational licence or PSV licence