What new safety measures will tackle heavy vehicle dangers?

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New Safety Measures to Address Heavy Vehicle Dangers Announced

A comprehensive set of new safety measures aimed at improving regulations for heavy vehicles has been announced, focusing on enhanced enforcement, technological integration, legal amendments, and industry reform. These initiatives are designed to tackle persistent issues such as vehicle overloading and to bolster overall road safety following a series of incidents. Key among these is the formation of a dedicated task force with enforcement powers and the introduction of advanced detection systems.
Formation of an Enforcement Task Force

A new task force, to be led by the Ministry of Transport’s secretary-general, Datuk Jana Santhiran Muniayan, will be established with the mandate to implement immediate measures to improve compliance among transport companies. This task force possesses the authority to compel various agencies under the Ministry of Transport to enact necessary changes, aiming to streamline enforcement and ensure adherence to safety standards.
Introduction of "High Speed – Weigh in Motion" System

The Ministry of Transport plans to roll out the "High Speed – Weigh in Motion" (HS-WIM) system within the year. This advanced technological solution is designed to more effectively detect heavy vehicles that are carrying loads exceeding permitted limits. The HS-WIM system utilises computer and scanning technology to alert operators instantly if a vehicle is overloaded as it passes over sensors, significantly improving the efficiency of identifying violations compared to current manual inspection methods.
Amendments to Existing Legislation and Increased Penalties

To strengthen the regulatory framework, the Road Transport Act 1987 and the Land Public Transport Act 2010 will undergo review and amendment. The primary objective of these legislative changes is to significantly increase the penalties for violations related to heavy vehicle safety. Furthermore, efforts are underway to hold consignees accountable for overloading, acknowledging their role in compelling transport operators to carry excess loads.
Liberalisation of Vehicle Inspection Services and Loopholes Closure

The government intends to liberalise vehicle inspection services, currently monopolised by Puspakom, to foster competition and potentially reduce opportunities for corruption. This move is expected to introduce more inspection service providers by the end of the year, theoretically improving service quality and shifting pressure away from Puspakom. Concurrently, legal loopholes that have been exploited by transport operators, such as the practice of renting tyres to pass mandatory inspections, will be addressed through collaboration between the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Home Affairs. Enhanced cooperation with anti-corruption agencies, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), will also be pursued to identify and close areas prone to abuse.

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What new safety measures will tackle heavy vehicle dangers?

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