Loke said this is a new requirement under JPJ’s updated SOPs.

“Regardless of whether the accidents these heavy vehicles are involved in result in fatalities, the company will be audited. This is the new SOP,” he told reporters here today.

If a haulier fails the audit, it could result in the suspension of its operating licence.

Loke said he hopes the new SOP would serve as a reminder to all stakeholders to comply with safety regulations and reduce fatal accidents involving lorries or heavy vehicles.

On Dec 23, seven people were killed and 33 injured in an accident involving a tour bus carrying 27 passengers, two lorries, a car and a multi-purpose vehicle along the North-South Expressway (PLUS).

An initial investigation by the authorities found that the collision was caused by a lorry’s detached tyre.

The accident led to the transport ministry establishing a special task force to comprehensively address heavy vehicle safety issues, Loke said.

Separately, federal traffic police have said accidents involving lorries caused 1,457 deaths over the past six years. Last year, 260 deaths were recorded – the second highest in a single year after the 274 reported in 2019.

Festive ban on heavy vehicles

Loke said heavy vehicles transporting goods will be banned from roads for four days during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive season.

The ban will be enforced on March 29 and 30 and April 5 and 6.

Failure to comply with the ban would result in a fine of between RM300 and RM2,000, or a jail term not exceeding six months, upon conviction.

“The main purpose of the ban is to prevent traffic congestion and reduce the risk of road accidents due to the mixing of traffic between heavy goods vehicles and private vehicles,” Loke said.

He said a similar ban during the Chinese New Year holidays had reduced the number of accidents by 10%. A total of 7,882 accidents were recorded during the period, compared with 8,784 last year.