Negeri Sembilan warns heavy vehicle drivers to check blind spots as Deepavali traffic builds

Lorries are seen on the Federal Highway in this file picture dated January 2, 2025. Drivers of heavy vehicles using highways in Negeri Sembilan are reminded to be more mindful of blind spots and to ensure their surroundings are clear before changing lanes, in order to prevent accidents especially during the upcoming Deepavali festive season. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

First Published: Friday, 06 Nov 2026 7:42 PM MYT

SEREMBAN, Nov 6 — Drivers of heavy vehicles using highways in Negeri Sembilan are reminded to be more mindful of blind spots and to ensure their surroundings are clear before changing lanes, in order to prevent accidents especially during the upcoming Deepavali festive season.

Negeri Sembilan Road Transport Department (RTD) director Jasyindar Singh Sihdu said blind spots on heavy vehicles are a frequent cause of accidents, often occurring when drivers fail to check their side mirrors thoroughly, meanwhile, smaller vehicles following too closely also face significant risks.

He noted that areas in the state with high concentrations of heavy vehicle traffic include Kilometre 269 and KM 258 of the PLUS Highway, as well as the roads connecting Ulu Bendul–Terachi, Seremban–Tampin, Seremban–Lukut, Batang Benar–Nilai, Gemencheh and the Bahau–Rompin road.

“The implementation of ‘Op Patuh’ focuses on high-risk traffic violations, including speeding, running red lights, overtaking across double lines, cutting queues, misusing emergency lanes, carrying dangerous loads, and failing to wear seatbelts or motorcycle helmets.

“Traffic volume is expected to double, an increase of 100 per cent. Additionally, aerial monitoring will be conducted using two drones, operated by specialised personnel, to detect traffic offenders at intersections and along critical stretches of road,” he told reporters today at the Road Safety Campaign held in conjunction with the 2026 Deepavali celebrations.

Jasyindar noted that the use of mobile phones while driving, as well as the risk of drivers experiencing “microsleep” due to fatigue, are also key areas of focus for this operation, as these factors can lead to fatal accidents.

He said the department will optimise its personnel deployment for “Op Patuh,” which will run from November 7 to 12.

Furthermore, he mentioned that in addition to road patrols, plainclothes enforcement officers will be deployed at public bus terminals to investigate complaints regarding express bus services.

“These measures include ensuring that no passengers are standing on board, preventing the drop-off of passengers in unauthorised locations, and verifying the physical fitness of drivers,” he said.

He emphasised that these enforcement efforts are not intended solely for issuing summonses as they are aimed at preventing accidents and ensure that road users consistently adhere to traffic regulations. — Bernama