Kuala Lumpur: The Ministry of Transport (MOT) will establish a special task force to comprehensively address heavy vehicle safety issues, said its minister, Anthony Loke. In a speech at a New Year event here today, he announced that the task force would be chaired by the MOT secretary-general, Datuk Jana Santhiran Muniayan. This initiative is intended to implement actionable policies and strategies for road safety.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Loke emphasized that the task force would not merely study existing conditions but would move forward with implementing solutions. The team will work with various stakeholders to develop effective safety strategies. This move comes in the wake of a tragic accident on December 23 of last year, where seven people were killed and 33 injured in a collision involving multiple vehicles on the North-South Expressway. The accident was initially attributed to a lorry’s detached tyre.

Loke highlighted that the periodic inspection procedures at the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (PUSPAKOM) would be refined. These procedures will now include critical safety elements such as tyres and brake systems to ensure all vehicles meet specified safety standards. Furthermore, the ministry aims to enhance enforcement by collaborating with the Road Transport Department (JPJ), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), and National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK).

Additionally, Loke mentioned the expansion of the High Speed-Weigh in Motion (HS-WIM) system to automatically monitor the load of heavy vehicles. The Automated Awareness Safety System (AWAS) camera system will also be improved with a point-to-point mechanism to monitor vehicle speeds more comprehensively. Loke stated that the ministry is reviewing laws, including the Road Transport Act 1987 and Land Public Transport Act 2010, to ensure more effective penalties for overloading offences.

The minister underlined the importance of competency training for heavy vehicle operators, which will be enhanced through the Industrial Code of Practice (ICOP) Safety Training. He urged MOT personnel to step out of their comfort zones and explore the best methods and alternatives to advance the country’s transport sector. Among the ministry’s focuses this year are the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the digitization of transportation services to better serve the people.

“Let us join hands, work with full integrity, and provide the best service to the people and nation,” Loke concluded.