In an effort to apprehend errant motorcyclists and reduce accidents along one of the country’s busiest highways, the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) have begun using drones to monitor riders who avoid the designated motorcycle lanes on the Federal Highway. According to Petaling Jaya OCPD Asst Comm Shahrulnizam Ja’afar, this approach aims to address the rising number of road accidents involving two-wheelers.
During a recent operation at KM28.4 of the highway, Shahrulnizam said that the use of drones has enabled the police to quickly detect and act against violators. Offending riders spotted from the air were issued summonses on the spot, while the registration numbers of those who managed to escape were recorded for follow-up action.
The Asst Comm added that motorcyclists are required to use specially designated lanes along the Federal Highway, but many choose instead to weave through the main traffic, increasing the risk of collisions. While police acknowledge that riders may avoid the motorcycle lanes due to poor lighting or flooding during rain, they maintain that safety must remain a priority. Shahrulnizam said the enforcement operation was timed to coincide with peak morning traffic, when violations are most frequent.
The operation, carried out with the assistance of the Police Air Unit (PGU), resulted in 47 summonses being issued for various offences. Of these, 16 violations were detected via drone surveillance, with 32 summonses handed out in just 30 minutes. The majority of these were for failing to use the designated lanes, an offence under Section 79(2) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
While enforcement remains a key focus, Shahrulnizam emphasised that the operation also aimed to educate road users – particularly motorcyclists – on the importance of following traffic rules. He noted that 70% of fatal accidents in the district involved motorcycles, with 204 cases recorded between January and May this year. The Asst Comm added that similar drone-assisted operations will continue in the future as part of a broader strategy to improve road safety.
(Source: Bernama)
