Kota Kinabalu: A total of 183 vehicles and motorcycles were inspected during the state-level National Motor Enforcement Operation (Ops Gerak), comprising 118 diesel vehicles, 25 petrol vehicles and 40 motorcycles.
“Of these, 13 were found to be in violation of environmental regulations,” said Department of Environment (DOE) Sabah Director Nor Rashidah Mohd Ghazali on Wednesday during the operation.
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The operation, held from April 4 to 8 with support from the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT), Road Transport Department (JPJ), and the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) Sabah, targeted non-compliant vehicles and motorcycles across key areas, including Jalan UMS Likas.
Rashidah said enforcement officers issued 13 compounds and four notices for various offences, primarily involving excessive motorcycle noise and black smoke emissions from vehicles.
“The operation focuses on excessive motorcycle noise (Ops Gerak), refrigerant management (Operasi Refrigeran), and high-risk industrial premises inspection (Operasi Gempur),” she said.
She noted that motorcycle noise violations accounted for the majority of offences, largely due to illegal exhaust modifications, while black smoke emissions were mainly linked to poor vehicle maintenance.
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“Police also issued five summonses, while JPJ handed out 59 compounds. The CVLB also issued two additional notices,” she added.
Under existing regulations, offenders can face compounds of up to RM300 for noise violations and RM2,000 for excessive smoke emissions, with continued non-compliance potentially resulting in stricter penalties, including court action.
Aside from Ops Gerak, Rashidah reaffirmed DOE Sabah’s commitment to improving air quality through Operasi Statik inspections of Approved Facilities (KYDL-Puspakom), air conditioning maintenance workshops, and fleet operators, as well as Operasi Catat & Kamera Video throughout Sabah.
“Through Operasi Statik carried out three times, 155 diesel vehicles were inspected, and a total of 11 directive notices under Section 48A of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 were issued to vehicle owners exceeding permitted emission limits. Three air conditioning premises and five fleet operators were also inspected under Operasi Refrigeran to ensure proper engine maintenance and routine smoke emission checks,” she explained.
Additionally, Operasi Catat & Kamera Video was conducted 49 times with a focus on diesel vehicles.
Seven directive notices under Section 48A of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 were issued to individuals whose vehicles emitted black smoke.
Rashidah advised all owners of diesel-powered commercial, public transport, and private vehicles to maintain their engines, use high-quality lubricants and fuel, ensure proper functioning of exhaust systems and catalytic converters, and avoid illegal modifications that increase smoke emissions.
She also encouraged vehicle owners to take re-inspection notices issued by DOE Sabah seriously.
“In conjunction with DOE Enforcement Day on April 15, DOE Sabah remains committed to ensuring clean and safe air quality for the people of Sabah,” she said.
