In a recent case, two motorcylists died in an accident on the North-South Expressway at Km228, near Ayer Keroh, Malacca.

The ambulance rushing to the scene to save their lives is believed to have taken an hour to reach the scene of the accident, all because motorists were blocking the emergency lane.

Under the law, the emergency lane is meant for just that — for the use of stalled cars, police, rescue workers and ambulances.

JPJ Enforcement Division chief V Valluvan is seeing red over this practice.

He told Star Online he had a video recording that showed seven cars clearly obstructing the way of the ambulance on May 22.

The seven were among 91 vehicles that had blocked the way of the ambulance.

Valluvan said owners of these seven identified will be issued notices to assist in investigations.

The bad news for these drivers is that they will not be able to get out of this offence by merely paying a compound fine, which is usually RM300.

“They will be directly charged in court under Section 53 of the Road Transport Act 1957, which carries a maximum fine of RM2,000 or six months’ jail, or both,” said Valluvan

He said such stern action was necessary as abuse of the emergency lanes had been worsening, especially along expressways.

Facebook user Puvan Barthiban, writing on the incident, said it was sad to notice the poor driving attitude of the motorists. He said some motorcyclists helped clear the emergency lanes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPsxa2xKK9I