Perak: Employers or companies that allow individuals with criminal records or repeated traffic offences to continue working as drivers must face heavy punishment, according to an expert. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Road Safety Research Centre head Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua emphasized the necessity of strict action to encourage employers to conduct more thorough background screenings before hiring drivers, particularly for heavy vehicles such as buses and lorries.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Law highlighted that employers should not hire drivers without proper screening. He stated that if there is negligence and the driver is involved in a serious incident, the employer should be penalised with fines or, in extreme cases, imprisonment should be considered. Dr. Law stressed that employers should not prioritize profit over road user safety.
Earlier today, a tragic accident occurred involving a Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) truck and a lorry carrying stones, resulting in the death of nine FRU members and serious injuries to two others along Jalan Chikus-Sungai Lampam, Teluk Intan, Perak. The 45-year-old lorry driver, who was arrested, had six criminal records, including drug-related offences, as reported by Perak police chief Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin.
Dr. Law also raised concerns about whether the lorry company involved had conducted routine vehicle inspections at the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspakom) every six months. Preliminary investigations suggested that the lorry’s steering system malfunctioned, a problem unlikely to occur with periodic inspections. He argued for heavy penalties to ensure employers are deterred from neglecting safety measures.
Meanwhile, Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye proposed that the government conduct an audit of security force vehicles to ensure they are equipped with safety features to prevent similar accidents. He noted that many FRU trucks lack basic safety features, posing significant risks to personnel during operations.
Malaysian Society for Occupational Safety and Health (MSOSH) president Ahmad Fakhrul Anuar Ismail urged the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to re-evaluate the use of FRU trucks for long-distance personnel transport. He emphasized the need to reconsider engineering, comfort, safety, and ergonomic aspects to ensure the safety of security personnel.
Additionally, Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) senior vice-chairman Datuk Seri Ayub Yaakob called for a thorough investigation into the incident. He advocated that any negligence or breach of law should be met with accountability and justice.