Transport minister Loke Siew Fook said ministry secretary-general M Jana Santhiran would lead the task force and has been given the mandate to implement any strategy he sees fit immediately without having to undergo any review or study.
“The transport ministry will also involve various parties (in the task force) to ensure coordinated and consistent enforcement of the law involving heavy vehicles, including the road transport department (JPJ), police, Land Public Transport Agency (Apad), and the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK),” Loke said at the ministry’s yearly address here today.
He also said the ministry will consider amending the Road Transport Act 1987, Land Public Transport Act 2010 and Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board Act 1987 to hike the compound fine rates based on the extent to which a vehicle exceeds the weight limit.
“The ministry will also review the need to hold consignees accountable as they are responsible for vehicles carrying cargo that exceeds the weight limit.”
This follows the fatal multi-vehicle crash on the PLUS highway near Ayer Keroh, Melaka, last month that left seven people dead and 33 injured.
It was reported that a detached tyre from a lorry caused a tour bus driver to lose control of the vehicle, swerve into the opposite lane and collide with a trailer lorry, resulting in the crash which also involved a car and an MPV.
Body cams for JPJ officers on duty
Separately, Loke said JPJ director-general Aedy Fadly Ramli had agreed for body cameras to be worn by its officials when on duty.
“The director-general asked for an allocation to purchase body cams, which he believes will not only enhance JPJ’s image but also protect enforcement officers, who sometimes were slandered and accused of wrongdoing.”
Loke expressed hope that this would be implemented this year, adding that he had already submitted a request to the finance ministry for funds to procure the body cams.
He said the transport ministry also aims to complete the installation of a “High Speed-Weigh In Motion” (HS-WIM) system in high-risk and high-traffic areas by the third quarter of the year.
This will allow officers to determine whether a vehicle is overweight without manually stopping the vehicle and escorting it to a weighing station, Loke said.
He said the ministry will also collaborate with the investment, trade, and industry ministry to review the registration and use of “rebuilt” vehicles, which are often fitted with unlicensed and outdated spare parts that could pose a danger to road users.
However, Loke said he expected pressure and pushback from associations and stakeholders.
“We must demonstrate the political will to address this issue. The time has come to act boldly and implement the necessary strategies. If executed well, I am confident this will have a positive impact on road safety.”