He said the new enforcement approach was intended to end the long-standing practice of transport operators treating fines as a mere cost of doing business.
Loke said the ministry would no longer tolerate drivers, owners, or transport companies that disregard road safety and public welfare.
He said those caught overloading for the first time would be fined, although more serious cases would be brought to court where they could face fines of up to RM500,000.
“If the company is caught a second time, its vehicle permit will be revoked. If it is caught a third time, the company’s licence will be cancelled,” Loke said in a press conference at his ministry here.
“If a company’s licence is cancelled and it holds 500 permits, all 500 permits will be revoked. The company will no longer be allowed to operate.
“We are issuing a clear and open warning. When action is taken, don’t accuse us of being harsh or trying to shut your company down. There will be no compromise.
“We have given enough warnings. There will be no more compromise. This is a major operation – an all-out effort against overloading,” he said.
Nationwide operation begins tonight
Loke said a major enforcement operation against overloaded commercial vehicles would begin tonight and continue until the end of the year.
The operation will cover five zones – north, central, south, east, and Borneo – with 12 enforcement teams deployed in each zone. Officers will focus on hotspots near industrial and port areas, where road damage and accidents caused by overloading are most severe.
“The overloading problem has persisted for years. It causes accidents and severe road damage. The government has spent billions repairing roads, especially near major ports, but the damage continues,” Loke said.
He also said the road transport department would begin using body cameras from next month, with the phase to involve 100 units costing RM2.3 million.
“This is a strategic step to strengthen enforcement effectiveness, integrity, and public safety,” he said.
Officers involved in operations will also be equipped with pistols for protection.
“We know this will be a risky operation. We are dealing with tontos (middlemen/informants) and gangsters. Every unit will be equipped with cameras and firearms,” he said.
“All actions and behaviour will be recorded. If anyone acts aggressively towards our officers, it will all be captured on video.”