2010/04/29

By Lydia Gomez and Elvina Fernandez
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KUALA LUMPUR: There seemed to be an "understanding" between government enforcement officers, especially when it comes to enforcing road rules.

This "apparent agreement" was evident yesterday at a roadblock in Jalan Raja Laut here, which was mounted to nab motorists who did not wear seat-belts in the ongoing "Buckle up" campaign.

The operation began at 9.30am, but minutes after motorists were being pulled aside and issued summonses for not wearing the seat-belt, several onlookers pointed out a disturbing scenario.

Several government vehicles were allowed to move on despite the drivers and passengers not using the seat-belts.

The New Straits Times observed that more than 20 City Hall vehicles, including vans and SUVs, and police cars were being waved on. An officer at the roadblock was also seen waving at passengers in a City Hall vehicle who were not using their seat-belts.

When the matter was raised to one of the senior officers on duty, he replied: "No comment."

Another officer said the personnel at the road block might have terlepas pandang (missed out) those vehicles.

The operation ended at 11.30am with 25 motorists receiving summonses for failing to buckle up. None of them were driving government vehicles.

Road Safety Department director-general Datuk Suret Singh said although he did not witness the incident of practising double standards, he would take steps to curb the problem.

"Using the seat-belt while driving is the law and the law is for everyone.

"It is unfortunate that these incidents of double standards have occurred in full view of the public. We will work towards eliminating this."

He said the only exceptions were for policemen who worked in emergency situations, like those transporting dangerous criminals and administering first aid.

The campaign is part of the RTD and RSD's efforts to get people to use their seat-belts and for motorcyclists to wear proper helmets.

Between March 1 and April 25, 615 drivers were summoned for not using seat-belts and 2,007 motorcyclists for not wearing proper helmets.

Suret also handed out "Red Means Stop" car stickers during the operation recently.

Source: http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/articles/8lgj/Article/index_html