Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) is investigating the lorry suspected of causing a fatal accident at the Kajang toll plaza, focusing particularly on the vehicle’s braking system, which is believed to have malfunctioned.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MIROS stated that its Crash Investigation Team is working to determine whether brake failure or other factors were the primary cause of the tragic incident. MIROS is collaborating with relevant authorities, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Road Transport Department (JPJ), and the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), to ensure a comprehensive investigation. The evaluation aims to identify the root cause and formulate effective preventive measures.
The crash, which took place at 10.50 am last Saturday, involved a lorry, a car, and two sport utility vehicles (SUVs), resulting in the death of a one-year-old boy and injuries to seven others. On Sunday, Kajang District Police Chief ACP Naazron Abdul Yusof revealed that preliminary investigations showed the lorry was last serviced in April, and the driver claimed he jumped out of the vehicle after experiencing brake failure.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke, in a statement yesterday, noted that records indicated the lorry had two valid permits and had passed inspection at Puspakom, the national vehicle inspection centre. However, its brakes are believed to have failed, leading to the accident at the toll plaza. MIROS stressed the importance of regular maintenance to ensure road safety, particularly for commercial vehicles that frequently operate and carry heavy loads.
MIROS advised drivers and transport operators to routinely inspect brakes, tyres, and other critical components before each journey, and to adhere strictly to road regulations, including observing speed limits, taking sufficient rest, and avoiding risky driving behaviours. A MIROS study in 2022 found that only 31.9 per cent of public and commercial vehicle operators adhered to the Industry Code of Practice (ICOP) for Road Transport Safety. Larger operators showed higher compliance at 93.6 per cent, while smaller operators lagged behind. Express and tour buses recorded compliance rates of 78 per cent and 71 per cent respectively, while lorries fell significantly behind at just four per cent.
MIROS also underscored the importance of Child Restraint Systems (CRS), mandatory since January 1, 2020, in Malaysia. Despite this, CRS usage remains low at about 30 per cent as of 2022. PDRM statistics indicated that between 2014 and 2023, an average of 434 children died annually in road crashes, equating to eight child fatalities per week. MIROS noted that properly installed child safety seats, suited to a child’s height and weight, can reduce the risk of fatal injuries by 54 to 71 per cent for children aged 0 to 4 years.
The institute is urging policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and the transport industry to intensify efforts in advocacy, education, and enforcement to enhance CRS usage nationwide.