PM Anwar Urges JPJ To Be More Professional, Firm In Enforcement

BATU KAWAN, April 25 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to continue enhancing its professionalism and firmness in carrying out its duties, particularly in enforcing traffic laws.

He said that as an agency that deals directly with the public, every action taken by JPJ is subject to public attention and scrutiny, thus requiring a high level of integrity and efficiency.

“Sometimes when JPJ is firm, it is not well received by the public… if it is soft and overly lenient, it is pressured by the MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission).

“So JPJ officers are in a situation of direct monitoring, especially with today’s social media. Some criticisms are based on values and morals, while others are driven by malice and hatred… so the challenges we face are even greater,” he said.

The Prime Minister said this when speaking at the JPJ Day 80th anniversary celebration and JPJ MADANI Mega Carnival at the State Stadium grounds here today.

Also present were Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abdul Bakar and JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, called on JPJ personnel to receive public criticism positively and use it as motivation for continuous service improvement.

At the same time, he stressed the importance of digitalisation in the service delivery system to reduce room for allegations and enhance transparency.

“If the country wants to progress, we cannot remain with old methods. This digital transformation is important to improve efficiency and strengthen public confidence,” he said.

The Prime Minister also praised JPJ’s performance, describing it as better than before, but reminded them to continue reform efforts in line with rising public expectations.

Earlier at the event, JPJ introduced the new version of its JPJ Smart Application (MyJPJ) as an integrated platform that brings together various departmental services in a single smart application.

In addition, in line with efforts to strengthen road safety advocacy, JPJ also introduced the JPJ Road Safety Icon, with national songstress Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin selected as the official icon.

-- BERNAMA