Loke orders RTD to fine helmetless riders, including from Harapan

 

JOHOR POLLS | Transport Minister Anthony Loke has instructed the Road Transport Department (RTD) to issue summonses against politicians and election workers who rode motorcycles without helmets during a recent convoy.

The order came after mounting online criticism against him following a viral video clip showing a Pakatan Harapan leader and supporters riding helmetless during a campaign activity in Johor.

In a statement, Loke said road safety laws apply to everyone, including candidates and election workers from Harapan, of which he is a leader.

“I have instructed the RTD to issue summonses to anyone found to have violated these regulations based on evidence from the viral videos, regardless of their political affiliation.

“This includes those involved in Harapan’s campaign convoy in Johor.

“The law must be enforced fairly and equally against all Malaysians. I will not compromise on this principle, even if it involves my own campaign allies,” he said.

According to a video that had been circulating online, among those allegedly riding without helmets were Johor DAP vice-chairperson Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali.

The video is believed to have been recorded from a vehicle carrying DAP’s Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid.

Critics shared a short video that juxtaposed the incident with Loke’s 2020 Dewan Rakyat speech, in which the DAP secretary-general criticised BN leaders for committing a similar offence during the Slim by-election campaign.

“It’s okay (to ride motorcycles while campaigning), but wear a helmet, show a good example,” he said at the time.

“Issue summonses to everyone; do not give face, show that the law is enforced without any double standard.”

He had cited leaders such as former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak and Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who were seen on motorcycles without helmets during the Slim campaign.

The recent Facebook post criticising Loke on Wednesday has since received more than 6,200 reactions and been shared over 1,900 times.

In response to this, Sheikh Umar posted on Facebook admitting his mistake and said he will pay the summons.

Malaysiakini has also contacted Syerleena for comment.

Following the issue about Harapan campaign machinery flouting traffic rules, Malaysiakini was alerted to another video clip that showed BN leaders committing a similar offence.

The clip posted on Facebook Reels by BN Sembrong MP Hishammuddin Hussein on Sunday showed him and Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh participating in a motorcycle convoy without wearing helmets.

Several internet users also left comments questioning their actions.

Under the Road Transport Act, motorcycle riders are required to wear protective helmets, with failure to comply constituting an offence punishable by a fine. - Mkini