KUALA LUMPUR – Methamphetamine abuse is on the rise among lorry and bus drivers travelling along the North-South Expressway and East Coast Expressway, raising fresh concerns over drug-impaired driving in Malaysia’s commercial transport sector.
A nationwide integrated enforcement operation conducted between April and June resulted in the arrest of 135 individuals, including 121 lorry drivers, after they tested positive for drugs during targeted highway inspections.
Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Datuk Seri Muhammed Hasbullah Ali said methamphetamine was the most commonly detected drug among commercial vehicle drivers.
“Methamphetamine use is increasing among commercial drivers, particularly those involved in long-haul journeys,” he told Scoop when contacted today.
He said enforcement findings indicated that some drivers were using drugs in an attempt to stay awake and cope with long hours behind the wheel, despite the serious risks involved.
“Some drivers believe methamphetamine helps them stay alert during long trips, but in reality it impairs judgement and puts everyone on the road at risk,” he said.
The operation was carried out jointly by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (JSJN), and the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), involving 627 enforcement personnel nationwide.
A total of 44 integrated operations were conducted along major transport routes, with 713 urine screenings carried out on drivers of lorries, trailers, express buses, school buses, workers’ transport vehicles and vehicles carrying hazardous goods.
Authorities also inspected vocational licences, including the Goods Driving Licence (GDL) and Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licences, as well as company documentation, to ensure only qualified and drug-free drivers were operating heavy vehicles.
Hasbullah said nearly 90 per cent of those arrested were commercial vehicle drivers, highlighting the scale of the problem within the freight and public transport industry.
All 135 individuals have been charged under various provisions of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, with most facing charges under Section 15(1).
Throughout the operation, enforcement officers also issued 296 traffic summonses.
Hasbullah stressed that PDRM would continue stepping up enforcement and would not compromise on drug-related offences involving commercial vehicle drivers.
He also urged transport companies to play a more proactive role by closely monitoring their drivers to curb drug abuse and improve road safety. — July 1, 2026