Worrying Trend of Lorry Drivers Taking Syabu

SEREMBAN: The trend of drug abuse, particularly syabu (methamphetamine), among commercial vehicle drivers is quite alarming.

National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) Director-General, Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said most of the drivers detained claimed they took the illicit substance to enable them to stay alert throughout their journeys.

“Syabu is a stimulant-type drug. When taken, it allows a person to stay energetic and work longer hours.

“However, when the effects of the drug begin to wear off, they can lose control or become unconscious, thus increasing the risk of accidents,” he said.

He said this at a press conference for the Integrated Drug Operation conducted by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and AADK at the Seremban Rest and Service Area southbound here on Wednesday night.

Also present was JPJ Director-General, Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli.

Ruslin said the agency also found that syabu has become the drug of choice among drivers to stay energetic, including taking ketum (kratom).

He explained that throughout the operation conducted nationwide from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., a total of 22 drivers out of 224 who were required to undergo urine screening tested positive for drugs.

“Of that number, 14 drivers tested positive for syabu, six for ketum and two for cannabis, of which nine were detained in Negeri Sembilan.

“They are aged between 26 and 61, including a tourist bus driver who tested positive for ketum,” he said.

He also informed that the amendment to the Drug Addicts (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983, which came into effect this year, has empowered AADK to take action against individuals who abuse ketum.

“This is among the improvements in efforts to address the drug addiction problem. Individuals found to be abusing ketum can now be detained and undergo treatment at AADK rehabilitation centres,” he said.

Meanwhile, Aedy Fadly said JPJ will take stern action, including suspending vocational licences and revoking the driving licences of drivers found to be positive for drugs.

At the same time, he said transport companies will also be held accountable, and failure to comply with licence conditions or employing drivers involved in drug abuse could result in action, including suspension of the operator’s licence.

“We will not compromise with drivers who abuse drugs solely to gain energy to make more trips.

“Not only the drivers, but the operating companies also need to be responsible in ensuring that the drivers they employ are free from drug abuse,” he said.

He explained that his department had launched the integrated operation on a large scale nationwide starting Wednesday.

The operation also involved cooperation from the Land Public Transport Agency, the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department, Puspakom, highway concession companies as well as the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

Sinar Harian