Danger on the road as unfit drivers buy forged certs to go on working

The Star PETALING JAYA: Hundreds of medically unfit lorry, bus and taxi drivers could be on the roads, endangering not only themselves but also other road users.
It is learnt that the drivers could have obtained or renewed their goods driving licences (GDL) and public service vehicle (PSV) licences using forged medical reports sold by a syndicate.
“Scores of forged medical reports and receipts are being sold daily outside a JPJ (Road Transport Department) compound in the Klang Valley for as low as RM5,” a source said.
There are currently about 70,000 GDL and PSV holders in the country. A GDL is required to drive a lorry while taxi and bus drivers need a PSV.
Drivers who had obtained their licences with fake medical certificates could pose a serious threat to the public and road users, especially if they were drug users or had medical conditions like epilepsy.
Commercial vehicle drivers require a doctor’s certification that they are fit to drive or serve as a conductor for the annual renewal of the GDL and PSV licence.
A doctor claimed that fake medical receipts bearing names of bogus doctors and clinics were being sold outside the JPJ branch office.
The doctor, who runs six clinics within the Klang Valley, lodged a police report on the fake certificates in late December.
“I have seen a tout and a group of runners operating discreetly inside cars and from food outlets close to the JPJ office.
“Hundreds, if not thousands, of fake medical certificates have been sold by the syndicate within the Klang Valley as each runner was seen holding stacks of documents,” he said.
“Also, based on my clinic records, the usual number of drivers who come in for medical check-ups has dropped by 40% since November last year.
“Daily, an average of 25 drivers would come in for medical check-ups but since November, we have been getting about 10 drivers.”
Shah Alam district police CID chief Deputy Supt Halimah Ton Ahmad said police were conducting investigations on the fake medical certificates.
“Investigations are under way but we cannot reveal any details on the matter yet,” said DSP Halimah.
Many doctors refused to comment on the issue although some admitted they have heard of such a syndicate.
“Some of these drivers demand that clinic counter staff fill up the JPJ form certifying that they were fit and have done the medical check-ups although they have not,” said a clinic staff.
JPJ director-general Datuk Emran Kadir said that fake medical receipts and doctor’s certificates had cropped up from time to time.
“In the past, the Selangor JPJ hauled up 60 commercial vehicle drivers for submitting fake documents when renewing their goods driving licences or public service vehicle licences.
“We welcome police investigations into the matter,” he said, adding that the JPJ would co-operate with the police.
Emran also said that the JPJ would also be introducing an online system linking clinics and the department to put an end to the problem.