KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Transport (MOT) is open to considering a proposal to introduce continuous training and regular competency assessments for heavy vehicle drivers, to curb the rising number of fatal accidents involving such vehicles. Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah acknowledged that accidents caused by the negligence of heavy vehicle drivers are a serious concern, emphasising that despite various preventative measures, the results have not been satisfactory.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hasbi stated that the proposal is a positive step forward, as relying solely on licence renewal for competency checks is impractical. He confirmed that the ministry would take note of the suggestion. This statement followed a supplementary question from Senator Datuk Mustafa Musa, who asked whether the government would reassess the licensing criteria for Class E drivers, which covers lorries and heavy vehicles, to address the increase in fatal accidents involving such vehicles.
Mustafa also p
roposed the introduction of continuous training and regular competency assessments for heavy vehicle drivers, similar to practices already implemented for mobile crane and tower crane operators. This measure aims to ensure driver discipline and compliance.
From 2022 to 2024, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) issued over 1.512 million summonses for various offences involving commercial vehicles, including 7,259 compounds related to overloading. Hasbi highlighted that from 2019 to 2024, a total of 5,559 audits were conducted on 3,088 companies, resulting in significant enforcement actions. These actions included the suspension of 210 operator licences and 67 vehicle permits, as well as the revocation of two operator licences and 32 vehicle permits.
This enforcement stems from accident cases, public complaints, and findings from safety inspection and audit reports conducted by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD). Hasbi noted that carrying an excessive load can lead to brake system failures caused by over
heating, particularly on downhill routes.