KOTA BHARU, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- More than 1,000 private vans in Kelantan are believed to be providing transport services for schoolchildren without meeting the requirements and regulations stipulated for public transport vehicles.
Kelantan Road Transport Department (RTD) director Mohd Misuari Abdullah said of this total, about 100 vans have been detected operating in Kota Bharu alone, with most being over 20 years old.
He stressed that his department views this activity seriously, as the use of private vehicles to transport schoolchildren on a commercial basis must comply with established licensing and permit requirements, as well as specific technical and safety standards.
“Following public complaints, Kelantan RTD conducted an operation targeting Public Transport Service Vehicles (KPPA) around Kota Bharu on November 5. During the operation, nine private vans were seized after being found used as school transport without complying with the required regulations.
“A total of 20 ‘P22’ summons notices were issued covering 18 instances of the misuse of Motor Vehicle Licenses (LKM) and two cases involving expired LKM in addition to nine seizure notices issued under Section 64(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987,” he said during a press conference at the RTD headquarters here today.
Mohd Misuari noted that, in total, 29 enforcement actions were recorded during the operation.
He urged van owners and drivers not to take the safety of students lightly while ensuring that their vehicles are in good condition and that they possess all valid documentation and licenses.
He emphasised that the enforcement actions are not intended solely as punishment, but rather as a preventive measure to safeguard the lives of passengers specifically school students.
“The safety of passengers, especially school students, is not something that can be compromised,” he said.
-- BERNAMA