Jayasim Tanapal, the leader of a Pahang lorry drivers’ group, said they were demanding a meeting with Loke following a few decisions by the ministry which he said discriminated against them.

These included the implementation of a demerit points system for errant drivers and the licence renewal process which requires them to undergo a medical checkup.

“We have called him (Loke) three times but he only sends a representative. He knows we wanted to come here today to protest. A (ministry) officer said he will come down, but where is he?

“We will not leave until we meet him,” Jayasim told FMT.

A security officer at the entrance to the ministry said Loke was not in his office. The officer, who declined to be named, said the minister was in Johor on official business and was expected to return tonight or tomorrow.

Several Johor lorry drivers said they would not leave until Loke had met them.

“We’re not here to fight. We want to negotiate. Please come and meet us,” one of them said.