TRANSPORT Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook has issued a strong and unequivocal warning to individuals known as ‘tontos’, who have reportedly been harassing and threatening officers from the Road Transport Department (JPJ), especially during enforcement actions targeting heavy vehicles.
Speaking at the 79th JPJ Anniversary Celebration, Loke made it clear that the department will not bow to intimidation, and that its officers will continue carrying out their duties with full authority and the backing of the government.
“I want to make it very clear that JPJ officers are authorised enforcement personnel of the government. Anyone who challenges them is essentially challenging the laws of this country,” he said during a press conference at the event.
“These officers are carrying out their duties and will continue to do so bravely, without fear or favour.”
He was accompanied at the celebration by Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah and JPJ Director-General Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli.
Loke noted that dissatisfaction among certain quarters had grown in tandem with the government’s tougher stance on enforcing regulations involving heavy vehicles. He attributed the threats to stricter JPJ operations, which have increased in intensity and scope in recent months.
Nevertheless, he insisted that protecting public safety must take precedence, especially given the alarming frequency of serious and fatal road accidents involving lorries and other large commercial vehicles.
“The safety of all road users remains our top priority. There will be no compromise, no retreat, when it comes to the enforcement of laws designed to protect lives,” Loke said.
He also urged logistics and transport firms to take greater responsibility for the condition of their fleets and the conduct of their drivers. Companies, he said, must ensure not only that their vehicles are roadworthy, but that drivers are professionally trained, accountable, and free from drug or alcohol use.
“This is not just about following regulations. It's about ensuring your drivers are competent and responsible enough to handle large, potentially dangerous vehicles on our roads,” he added.
Loke’s comments come amid growing concern about the influence of tontos, who are often associated with organised attempts to evade or sabotage enforcement efforts by monitoring and alerting truck operators about upcoming roadblocks or inspections.
The minister’s firm stance signals a broader governmental effort to clamp down on corruption, negligence, and any form of obstruction that threatens public safety and the rule of law. - April 19, 2025
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