Pubdate: Tue, 22 Aug 2000
Source: Star, The (Malaysia)
Copyright: 2000 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd.
Contact:  13 Jalan 13/6, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Website: http://www.thestar.com.my
Author: Bernama

JPJ TO DETECT DRIVERS TAKING ECSTASY PILLS

KUALA LUMPUR: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) will work with the Health
Ministry to establish if road accidents are caused by drivers high on
Ecstasy pills, its director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Shahar Sidek said
yesterday.

He said the JPJ held a meeting with the ministry on Aug 18 to draw up a
joint action programme to handle the problem of drivers using the
hallucinogenic drug while driving.

At present there was insufficient information to link the accident factor
with Ecstasy pills, Shahar said.

He said the JPJ would mount Ops Sedar II in the middle of next month during
which the use of such pills by drivers would be detected.

At least eight accidents in the Klang Valley last year involved drivers who
were high on drugs, Shahar said.
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