KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 — Vehicles on official duties must continue to observe safe driving practices and remain alert to surrounding traffic even when using blue and red warning lights, police said today.
The Star reported that Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Comm Datuk Seri Muhammed Hasbullah Ali said only six agencies are authorised to use such beacons — the police, Fire and Rescue Department, ambulances, Road Transport Department (JPJ), Prisons Department and Customs Department.
He said Rule 24B-1 of the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Rules 1999 (2024 Amendment) prohibits motor vehicles from being fitted with special warning lights unless they are listed under the Sixth Schedule.
“Under Rule 24B-1 of the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Rules 1999 (2024 Amendment), motor vehicles are prohibited from being fitted with special warning lights unless they are listed under the Sixth Schedule,” he told reporters at Jalan Sultan Ismail here today.
“Any use of beacons outside the list of authorised vehicles requires approval from the Transport Minister upon the recommendation of the JPJ director-general, as provided under Rule 24B-2,” he said.
Comm Muhammed Hasbullah said vehicles fitted with beacons or emergency lights must still consider traffic conditions, intersections and the movements of other road users.
“This applies regardless of the situation, whether it is an emergency, pursuing a suspect or others,” he said, adding that drivers must ensure other road users have enough time and space to react.
He stressed that warning lights should not be interpreted as giving vehicles absolute priority, as doing so could endanger other road users.
“Enforcement and emergency vehicles must ensure the route is safe before proceeding, including when crossing intersections or traffic lights,” he said.
At the same time, he said road users who deliberately obstruct, block or tailgate emergency vehicles could face legal action.
“Under Rule 9 of the Road Traffic Rules 1959, road users are required to give way to enforcement or emergency vehicles carrying out official duties,” he said.
Comm Muhammed Hasbullah said police also have the authority to regulate and control traffic, including directing road users to comply with instructions.
“We also have an exclusive role in escort duties, clearing routes or stopping traffic for dignitaries, VIPs or convoys on public roads,” he said.
“As such, other agencies or the public cannot block, stop or direct public vehicles to give way to their own convoys without the appropriate authority or permission,” he added.
Earlier, Comm Muhammed Hasbullah, accompanied by Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief ACP Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa and senior officers, inspected the scene of an accident that claimed three lives.
He said warning lights were intended to alert other road users, but safe driving practices and proper vehicle control must not be disregarded.
He said emergency response required prompt action, but this had to be balanced with the safety of personnel, the public and other road users.
He added that enforcement agencies must comply with standard operating procedures, assess road conditions and ensure intersections and routes were safe during operations.
Police also held an engagement session with enforcement agencies on June 23 to promote a common understanding and coordination on road traffic laws, including compliance with Rule 24B and the use of beacon lights according to prescribed specifications.
