Did you know JPJ has its own marching band?

The road transport department (JPJ) of Malaysia is well-known for its driving licenses, vehicle inspections, and enforcement, but many people may not be aware that JPJ also has its own marching band called Mega Symphony. This unique ensemble was formed in 2017 at the Malaysia Road Transport Academy in Ayer Molek, Melaka, but its beginnings were humble.

Instruments had to be rented or borrowed, and finding enough people to play them posed a significant challenge. JPJ senior enforcement director Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan, who helped establish the band, started the idea after noticing that an outside band was hired for a graduation ceremony in November 2016. With only three volunteers interested, Kifli spent six months recruiting 35 candidates from JPJ branches across the country, including Sabah and Sarawak, only three of whom had any experience with marching-band instruments.

The next challenge was to train these new recruits intensively for three months so they could perform at the next graduation ceremony. Despite being JPJ officers and staff with regular duties, Mega Symphony currently has 36 permanent members and 10 reserves. Rehearsing for major performances or competitions is a logistical challenge due to members being stationed throughout Malaysia, but the band's strong interest and confidence allow them to absorb and understand their tasks quickly.

Mega Symphony has become part of JPJ's public identity, performing alongside bands from other agencies, including the armed forces, police, and prisons department. The band has even formed a bagpipe band to escort distinguished guests at official events.