THE Road Transport Department (JPJ) is expanding the use of high-technology drones to monitor traffic violations, with the rollout beginning in Kelantan as part of efforts to strengthen road enforcement.
JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said the drones would allow authorities to detect offences more effectively by capturing detailed aerial footage of road users.
According to him, the drones are equipped with advanced imaging technology capable of magnifying images up to 200 times, enabling enforcement officers to clearly identify vehicle registration numbers even from significant distances.
"Besides that, these drones are also capable of automatically recording and storing videos and images through the storage system provided for enforcement and further investigation purposes.
"Through these recordings, enforcement personnel and officers can detect offences committed by road users and the evidence will be used before action is taken," he said.
Aedy Fadly said this when speaking to reporters after officiating at the closing ceremony of the Noble Values Programme and the Singgah Sahur event at the Labok Enforcement Station.
To ensure safe and compliant drone operations, JPJ has begun training enforcement personnel as certified drone operators.
However, he clarified that offences detected through drone monitoring will not immediately result in summonses being issued.
Instead, cases will first undergo an investigation process through the issuance of a Notice 114.
"Through this notice, offenders will be called to attend an interview session at the state JPJ office to provide an explanation regarding the offence recorded by the drone. If they fail to attend, a summons can then be issued.
"Unlike the AwAS camera system, which has already been gazetted to automatically issue summonses, drones at this stage only function as a tool to detect offences before further action is taken following a verification process," he said.
Aedy Fadly added that JPJ currently has five drones, including high-tech units, and all will be deployed during the upcoming Ops Aidilfitri beginning on March 13.
The aerial monitoring is expected to strengthen traffic surveillance as millions of Malaysians travel back to their hometowns for the festive season.
"Monitoring using drones will also help JPJ oversee traffic flow as people return to their hometowns to celebrate Aidilfitri, in addition to detecting any road users who violate traffic regulations," he said. - March 8, 2026
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