KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 26 – The number of summons settled by traffic offenders has dropped by 35 per cent after the Cabinet decided to withdraw a decision to blacklist vehicle owners who failed to settle their summons.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said from July 31 to August 6, 114,093 summons were settled but after the announcement only 74,422 summons were settled from August 7 to 13.

However, those who received summons would still have to settle their dues after February 28, 2011, he said.

“The public must be reminded that action will be taken against them if they failed to settle their summons by February 28, 2011. They must also be warned that those who failed to settle their summons will be referred to the demerit points system,” he told reporters after opening the Asia Road Network and TNT here today.

On August 11, the Cabinet agreed to withdraw the decision to blacklist vehicle owners who failed to settle their summons, temporarily until February 28, next year, so that the public would not be burdened and can also settle their summons through installments.

Kong said the Cabinet had also agreed to set up a one-stop centre at Pos offices to enable traffic offenders to settle summons.

“Once the centre is set up, people will not have to go the Road Transport Department, police or City Hall to settle their summons,” he said.

Meanwhile, TNT Regional Managing Director (Southeast Asia and India) Onno Boots said the company was planning to expand the coverage and density of the network.

He said TNT Asia Road Network (ARN) stretches more than 7,650km and connects over 127 cities in seven countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and China.

“The road network is not just a truck, it is an integrated network, it has all the security features, it has end-to-end visibility, it is a daily service and a reliable service.

“The service is cheaper than air freight with cost savings up to 30 per cent and much faster than sea freight,” he said. – Bernama