THE Road Transport Department Malaysia (JPJ) is significantly expanding the use of drone surveillance during the upcoming Aidiladha festive operations in a nationwide effort to reduce road fatalities and strengthen enforcement against dangerous driving offences.
The department said drones would now be deployed continuously throughout the special festive operation period, marking a major escalation in aerial traffic monitoring as millions of Malaysians prepare to travel during the holiday season.
JPJ deputy director-general for planning and operations Jazmanie Shafawi said six drones had been mobilised for the operation, with two stationed in Kelantan, two in Negeri Sembilan, and one each assigned to Sarawak and the department’s headquarters.
According to him, the drones will focus heavily on high-risk accident zones identified among 288 traffic hotspots nationwide.
“We will maximise the use of drones at hotspot locations to detect offences such as overtaking on double lines or using emergency lanes on highways.
“If previously drones were only used at certain times, this time we will use drones throughout the entire operation,” he said during a press conference held in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidiladha Operations at the Dengkil northbound Rest and Service Area today.
Among the major accident-prone routes identified by JPJ are the Kuala Lipis-to-Gua Musang corridor, the Gua Musang-to-Kuala Krai stretch, the Gerik-to-Jeli route and the Segamat-to-Mersing road network.
Authorities have also identified several highway danger zones, including the Menora Tunnel to Sungai Perak stretch in Perak and sections of the East Coast Expressway between Kijal and Kuala Terengganu.
Jazmanie said the nationwide Hari Raya Aidiladha Operations would run from Sunday until May 31 with the aim of ensuring optimal compliance with road regulations while strengthening public safety throughout the festive travel period.
He explained that enforcement efforts would adopt a comprehensive and strategic approach based on the “Perception of Being Caught” concept, aimed at increasing motorists’ awareness of enforcement visibility and reducing reckless behaviour.
“It includes increasing the presence of enforcement officers at focus areas, major federal routes, highways, public transport terminals and 288 accident hotspots nationwide under the slogan ‘Drive Carefully, Arrive Safely’.
“JPJ will focus on nine major offences identified as contributors to road accidents nationwide.
“These include speeding, running red lights, overtaking on double lines, driving in emergency lanes, failing to wear seatbelts or helmets, queue cutting, using mobile phones while driving, overloading vehicles and carrying dangerous loads,” he said.
The department is also intensifying enforcement against commercial and public transport vehicles, including inspections involving technical compliance, Global Positioning System (GPS) requirements, Speed Limit Devices (SLD), safety audits and operator permits.
Jazmanie added that the operation would be reinforced through the use of advanced enforcement technology and assets, including Enforcement Action Cameras (EAC), body-worn cameras, patrol operations and monitoring involving approximately 2,500 JPJ officers and personnel nationwide.
He also said special operations targeting motorcyclists would be conducted during the festive period, as riders continue to represent one of the country’s most vulnerable and high-risk groups on Malaysian roads.
“Special operations against motorcyclists will also be implemented to improve compliance and reduce accident risks involving the group, which remains among the highest-risk categories of road users,” he said. - May 23, 2026
