SEREMBAN: The use of drones will help improve the enforcement of the Road Transport Department's (JPJ) Demerit Points System for Traffic Offences (Kejara) to reduce traffic offences.

JPJ senior director (enforcement) Datuk Lokman Jamaan said this would also help ensure road users comply with road regulations and laws thus achieving the goal of halving the accident rate by 2030.

He said from January 2022 to April 5, a total of 146,261 demerit points were imposed on motorists with 1,935 licence holders receiving warnings, first-time suspensions (412), second-time suspensions (75), third time suspensions (seven) while the licence of six probationary driver's license holders (PDL) were revoked.

"Among the offences subject to demerit points are overtaking on double lines, using mobile phones while driving and beating red lights. Drones will be deployed to detect the offences involved and immediate action will be taken.

"The demerit system will have a big impact because the licences of offenders will be suspended or withdrawn, apart from confiscating the vehicle if they are still using it without a licence," he told reporters after the drone enforcement operation which was also attended by state JPJ director Hanif Yusabra Yusof here on Friday (April 21).

He said enforcement using drones will continue and efforts would be made at the same time to improve the ability of personnel operating them.

According to him, there are 15 drones used in six states including Negri Sembilan, Melaka and JPJ headquarters while the other states are in the process of obtaining licences.

Meanwhile, Lokman said JPJ would intensify monitoring in 129 hot spots identified as frequent accident areas throughout the country this festive season.

"Its use to detect traffic offenders is very effective. Road users will feel that they are being watched and instill the 'perception of being caught'. It does not interfere with the flow of traffic but can still monitor traffic violations," he said.

Hanif Yusabra also said that during a two-day road enforcement operation in Negri Sembilan, a total of 61 notices for offences were detected through drones. – Bernama