Petaling Jaya: Police today deployed drones to go after motorcyclists not using their designated lane on the Federal Highway. Petaling Jaya Police Chief ACP Shahrulnizam Ja'afar stated that the drone support for the operation, which began at 11am, was provided by the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division of the Petaling Jaya District Police Headquarters (IPD) in cooperation with the Bukit Aman Air Operations Force (PGU).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, in just half an hour of this operation, authorities issued 32 summonses including those stopped directly and those recorded via drone footage. These cases will be followed up with traffic reports to compile a complete report. Shahrulnizam noted that although offenders might think they have escaped, drones have captured their registration numbers, and summonses under POL 170A will be sent for further action.
The operation also included participation from Selangor Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief Supt Edward Kondokor. Commenting on the behavior of certain motorcyclists, Shahrulnizam mentioned that riders must control their emotions and be aware of the offences they commit when not using the designated motorcycle lane on the major Klang Valley artery. He highlighted the higher risk of injury motorcyclists face when using the highway, stating that the operation aims to minimize accident cases.
The initiative focuses on enforcement against motorcycle users, given that 70 percent of road fatalities involve motorcyclists. Shahrulnizam added that the number of accidents involving motorcyclists on the Federal Highway under Petaling Jaya police jurisdiction has increased, with 204 cases recorded this year-an increase of 35.1 percent or 53 cases compared to 151 cases last year. He reported 52 deaths last year, while 34 deaths have already been recorded as of May this year.
Shahrulnizam emphasized the need for road users, especially motorcyclists, to understand the danger and legal implications of using the highway when a dedicated motorcycle lane is available. He also advised highway concession companies to ensure that motorcycle lanes are safe for riders in terms of lighting and road conditions to prevent any unwanted incidents.