PUTRAJAYA, July 10 — The Ministry of Transport (MOT) will take enforcement action against campaign workers found riding motorcycles without helmets during the Johor state election campaign, regardless of their political affiliation.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the ministry viewed seriously a viral video showing a group of Pakatan Harapan (PH) campaign workers, including members from the Democratic Action Party (DAP), riding motorcycles without wearing helmets during campaign activities.
Loke stressed that road safety laws apply equally to everyone and should not be compromised for political purposes.
He said he had maintained the same position for years, recalling that during the Slim by-election campaign nearly six years ago, he had also criticised Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders involved in similar incidents.
“There is nothing wrong with riding motorcycles during election campaigns, but every rider must wear a helmet and set a good example for the public,” he said.
Loke added that the principle applies equally to all political parties, including Pakatan Harapan candidates and campaign workers.
He said he had instructed the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to issue summonses to anyone found violating helmet regulations based on evidence from the viral video, irrespective of their political background.
The enforcement, he said, would also include those involved in the PH campaign convoy in Johor.
Loke emphasised that the law must be enforced fairly and consistently against all Malaysians and said he would not compromise on road safety principles, even if they involved members of his own political coalition.
He added that protecting lives must always take precedence over political interests.
— MINUTESMY
