Op Selamat 18: Drivers warned not to take drugs
PUTATAN - Sabah Deputy Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun has given a stern warning to drivers in the state not to take drugs, especially when driving on the way back to their hometown.
He said the actions of drivers who take drugs would create many problems, including can cause accidents or inconvenience to the passengers they carry.
Jauteh said this following an incident that took place at Op Selamat 17 when the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department conducted a random urine test inspection on drivers, and several people were tested positive for drugs.
"From the testing, several drivers were found to be under the influence of drugs while driving. So this caused problems in terms of their driving (ability) on the road and those who were nabbed caused problems to other passengers.
"Some were driving their wives and mothers, so these people have to stay at a 'one-stop centre' waiting for hours. Sadly, some fathers were handcuffed while their children were next to them playing with their mobile phones," he said.
Jauteh was talking to reporters at the launch of Op Selamat 18/2022 in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri in Kampung Meruntum, Lok Kawi, here, on Thursday.
He also reminded drivers returning to their hometown to stop and rest when they are tired before continuing the journey.
"Don't take drugs on the pretext of driving far. You can stop for a while to rest," Jauteh said.
Meanwhile, commenting on Op Selamat, he expected traffic flow in all districts in Sabah to increase by 200 per cent.
"Most importantly, road drivers should always ensure the safety of life, self, and the mind. Road users would drive carefully and respectfully if these three elements could be combined.
"We expect an extraordinary situation this year as our country was recovering from the pandemic. From January to March, there was an increase in traffic accidents in Sabah, including fatal accidents,” he said, adding that the matter was very worrying and urged the local community to abide by the traffic rules when using the road.
