JPJ Targets Illegal Transport In Cameron Highlands, Locals Question Timing

Cameron Highlands saw a major enforcement operation recently as Road Transport Department (JPJ) and immigration department inspected 48 commercial vehicles, taking action against 16 of them, including school buses allegedly repurposed to transport foreign tourists illegally.

The operation, led by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) alongside the Immigration Department, uncovered a range of violations, from vehicles operating without proper commercial vehicle licences (LKM) or insurance, to drivers without valid licences. 
JPJ Senior Enforcement Director Dato’ Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan stressed that the department would not compromise on road safety and legal compliance, whether for private, commercial, or public service vehicles.

However, the crackdown has sparked mixed reactions among locals. Many pointed out that the use of school buses and four-wheel-drive vehicles for tourism has been widespread in the highlands for years. 

“These buses and 4WDs have been operating like this for a very long time. Everyone knows about it,” said a local business owner who wished to remain anonymous in a TRP report.

According to A. Dilip Martin, president of the Cameron Highlands Environmental Awareness Association (REACH), standard vans are not suitable for areas like Gunung Brinchang, which rises to 6,000 feet, while Land Rovers offer the necessary control and braking systems for safety.

"Instead of penalties, the government could introduce special permits for operators with valid tourism licences, ensuring safety while supporting the tourism sector," he said in the same report.

Source: The Rakyat Post.