RTD special task force to review enforcement against bad drivers

PUTRAJAYA: A special task force is to be set up in the Road Transport Department (RTD) to review and fine tune some existing laws to greatly enhance its enforcement action against errant drivers.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said they will form the task force in the coming months and it will also provide for the successful implementation of the soon-to-be launched Kejara and Automated Enforcement Awareness System (AWAS).
Speaking to reporters after launching RTD's 70th year celebration here today, he said it was not the case of RTD not conducting any enforcement action.
"It's just that the action doesn't seem to yield any positive outcome and this is why we need to study and fine tune its details," he explained.
He said the previous demerit system failed as errant drivers would not have any points deducted from their 15-point annual licence ceiling if they paid their compounds, giving rise to various issues over taking stern enforcement action against repeated errant drivers.
On the airplane debris believed to be from MH370, Liow said three pieces of aircraft debris found in Mozambique recently were brought back to Malaysia on Saturday and another piece from Mauritius was due to arrive today.
"The pieces will be analysed here, and if necessary we will send them to Australia for further verification," he added.
Since more airplane debris were found along the African coastline, he said Malaysia would seek the cooperation of the African governments to beef up the search effort in the area.
On the Rayani Air issue, he said the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) will issue a provisional suspension notice to the airline tomorrow for contravening the DCA's Act and the nation's air services regulations.
Rayani would, however, be given an opportunity to make a representation and give a detailed explanation, he said.
If the ministry is not satisfied with its explanation, "we might permanently revoke its licence," said Liow, who was disappointed with the airline's poor service to the public despite warnings and notices from the ministry and DCA to improve.
Meanwhile, Rayani Air, in a posting on its Facebook page, apologised to its loyal customers who had faced direct or indirect problems from the Syariah-compliant airline in the past few weeks.
"We at Rayani Air noted with regret the lack in our services and will try to improve it soon," it said, and called on the public to continue to support it as the airline will return.