91 drivers who used emergency lane, to be charged in court

Road Transport Department (RTD) director-general Datuk Seri Ismail Ahmad yesterday said enforcement action is proceeding against 91 vehicle owners identified using the emergency lane at KM228 of the North-South Expressway near Malacca last month – preventing the passage of an ambulance and resulting in an accident victim dying.

So far, Ismail said following seven drivers had given their statements to the RTD and will be charged in court.

He reiterated that the RTD will not compromise and will bring to court immediately road users who use emergency lanes illegally.

Ismail said for those who are adamant in using the emergency lanes will be brought to court under Rule 9 and 53 of Road Traffic Rules 1959 that carries a fine of not more than RM2,000 or jail not less then a year.

“Previously, we imposed a fine of RM300 for the offence but found that the fine was too low to give any effect to the offenders.

“To show the severity of the matter, we have taken legal action that will enable them to be imposed a maximum fine of RM2,000 or jail for a year.”