23 Lorry Drivers Test Positive For Banned Substances In Penang Since January, Says JPJ

NIBONG TEBAL, Oct 22 – The Penang Road Transport Department (JPJ) detected 38 drivers testing positive for prohibited substances between January and Wednesday night, with heavy vehicle operators accounting for the largest share at 23 lorry drivers.

Penang JPJ director Zulkifly Ismail disclosed that out of the remaining cases, 12 involved private motor vehicle drivers while three involved bus drivers.

Speaking to reporters following an integrated joint enforcement operation with the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) at the Valdor Enforcement Station in Nibong Tebal on Wednesday night, October 21, 2026, Zulkifly outlined the age profiles and drug classifications recorded during tests.

Drivers aged between 30 and 50 tested positive for multiple substances, with methamphetamine (syabu) recording the highest incidence at 23 cases, followed by ketum (six), cannabis (five), and morphine (one).

JPJ suspended five competent driving licences (CDL) and five vocational driving licences (GDL/PSV) in connection with substance-abuse violations during the nine-month period.

“We cannot wait until accidents happen before taking action. Preventive measures and enforcement operations must be carried out continuously,” Zulkifly stated.

Peer Pressure Misconceptions and Employer Screening Mandatory

Key enforcement highlights, driver justifications, and corporate responsibility measures emphasized by transport authorities include:

• Driver Excuses Dismissed: Detained motorists frequently cited peer pressure and the false belief that narcotics provided boosted stamina and alertness during late-night long-haul driving. Authorities dismissed these assertions, warning that impaired driving poses severe safety risks to road users.
• Corporate Employer Screening: JPJ urged logistics companies, freight haulers, and commercial transport operators to conduct pre-departure medical and drug screenings to eliminate risks before handing vehicle keys to drivers.
• Shared Accountability: Zulkifly noted that road safety goes beyond individual drivers, holding transport operators responsible for ensuring their workforce remains healthy and fit for duty.
• Targeted Enforcement: The joint JPJ-AADK operations form part of an expanded national crackdown aiming to eradicate drug abuse among heavy commercial vehicle drivers operating on major expressways and arterial routes.

Routine spot checks and integrated enforcement operations across Penang’s key transit hubs and weigh stations will continue in full force.

–NMT