Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Road Transport Department has launched a 14-day special enforcement operation targeting traffic violations during the Chinese New Year period, with intensified checks until Feb. 22.
The operation, which began on Feb. 9 under the “Pandu Cermat, Sampai Selamat” road safety campaign, focuses on nine major traffic offences, including speeding, running red lights, illegal overtaking and mobile phone use while driving.
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The Department is deploying 286 enforcement officers across the State to monitor compliance at identified accident black spots and major roads.
It also implemented a four-day ban on heavy goods vehicles before and after the festival, from Feb 14-15 and Feb 21-22, excluding vehicles carrying essential goods and services.
The enforcement operation targets specific violations under the Road Transport Act 1987, including exceeding speed limits, overtaking on double lines, abuse of emergency lanes, queue-cutting, driving without seat belts or helmets, overloading and transporting dangerous cargo.
Last year’s Chinese New Year operation saw the Department inspect 3,356 vehicles and take action against 3,200, issuing 6,405 summonses and other notices while impounding 36 vehicles.
The most common violations were driving without a competent driving licence (1,728 cases or 22 per cent), expired vehicle licences (1,264 cases or 16 per cent), and seatbelt violations (136 cases or 1.7 per cent).
This year’s operation includes undercover enforcement, with 17 officers deployed as passengers on express buses to 17 different locations.
The Department is also conducting covert monitoring of commercial vehicles using unmarked cars.
The Department has organised more than 30 road safety advocacy programmes in conjunction with the operation, including exhibitions, awareness talks and distribution of road safety kits in collaboration with the Sabah Road Safety Council and strategic partners.
Motorists are advised to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained, to comply with traffic regulations and to plan their journeys carefully during the festive period.
