JPJ busts Terengganu firm using underage drivers to transport coconuts
KUALA TERENGGANU, Sept 25 — The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has uncovered commercial vehicle operators in Terengganu hiring underage drivers.
State JPJ director Zamri Samion said a 16-year-old boy was detained during a special operation last night for driving a commercial vehicle without a licence on Jalan Tok Adis-Cendering, Free Malaysia Today reported.
He said the boy and the lorry attendant were both underage, and the vehicle was carrying coconut shells from Kuala Terengganu to Marang.
Investigators believe the vehicle owner hired the teenager to reduce operational costs, which Zamri warned poses serious safety risks to all road users.
The department issued a summons and impounded the lorry following the arrest.
Zamri said action was taken against 603 public service and goods vehicles during a special enforcement operation conducted from Sept 1 to 24.
A total of 5,315 vehicles, including buses, lorries, hire cars and e-hailing vehicles, were inspected, with offences ranging from expired licences and insurance to overloading and traffic light violations.
He added that 11 vehicles were impounded, 144 ordered to undergo weighing, and 12 others issued various other notices.
