KOTA BHARU — A total of 2,384 traffic offences were detected using drone technology during the three-day implementation of Ops Hari Raya Aidilfitri (HRA) 2026, which began on March 16.
Road Transport Department Malaysia Enforcement senior director Datuk Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan said the four main offences recorded were overtaking on double lines (715 cases), failing to obey traffic lights (627), overtaking on the left (539), and misuse of emergency lanes (503).
He said all offences captured would serve as evidence, with interview notices to be issued to the respective vehicle owners.
“Using drones, up to 200 offences can be detected within just 45 minutes, demonstrating the effectiveness of this technology in enforcement operations,” he told reporters after an operation at the JPJ Wilayah Timur Academy.
Currently, JPJ operates six drone units at its headquarters and is planning to expand their deployment in future enforcement efforts.
Muhammad Kifli stressed that the use of drones is not solely to catch offenders but to proactively identify dangerous driving behaviours that contribute to road accidents, while encouraging greater compliance with traffic laws.
He added that JPJ has identified 288 accident-prone hotspots nationwide, with the highest numbers recorded in Kelantan (53 locations), Sarawak (50), and Perak (34).
In Kelantan, the most common offences involved queue cutting and running red lights, all of which fall under the Road Transport Act 1987.
Offenders issued notices can settle compounds within 15 days to receive a 50 per cent discount, reducing the fine to RM150.
He also noted that high-capacity drones equipped with up to 200x zoom enable clear identification of vehicle registration numbers even from long distances.
–BERNAMA
