Kuala lumpur: The Transport Ministry (MOT) has emphasized that postponing the full enforcement of regulations concerning overloaded heavy vehicles is not a viable or safe option, given the concerning rate of accidents involving such vehicles.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah highlighted that the ministry has received requests from various parties for a six-month to one-year postponement or a phased implementation to give operators time to adjust their operations. However, he pointed to police statistics indicating 346 fatalities in 2024, with 260 involving lorries and 86 involving buses. From January to September this year, 260 fatalities were recorded, including 211 cases involving lorries and 49 involving buses. These figures underscore the critical safety issues related to heavy vehicles, necessitating immediate and consistent action.
He further explained that findings from the enforcement operation Op Perang Lebih Muatan (War on Overloading) revealed significant non-compliance, with 3,087 out of 129,778 inspected heavy vehicles found to be overloaded, and 5,915 notices issued for various offences. Technical data from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) indicated that overloaded commercial vehicles are prone to brake failure, instability on downhill stretches, and contribute considerably to road and bridge damage.
In a separate matter, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup addressed the adequacy of Malaysia’s rice supply, stating that the country has a sufficient stock of 1.263 million metric tonnes as of December 2. This comprises 1.063 million metric tonnes of trade stock and 200,000 metric tonnes of buffer stock. Malaysia plans to continue diversifying its import sources from countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Pakistan, India, and Myanmar to ensure stability in supply amid potential global market disruptions.
Arthur also discussed the ministry’s efforts in enhancing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes focused on agriculture. Conducted in 16 training institutes nationwide, these programmes now incorporate modern technologies such as automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), drones, and artificial intelligence (AI). The curriculum is developed in partnership with industry and academia to align with sector needs. Additionally, a new Special Competency Certification RCoC-AL for agricultural drone operators has been introduced, featuring reduced training costs and shorter training periods to foster skilled talent in farm technology.
He mentioned the establishment of strategic cooperation with industry through the Smart Agriculture Directory (DirekTANI), which facilitates the matching of expertise with career opportunities for youth.
The winding-up of the 2026 Supply Bill debate also included contributions from Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin and Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah. The Dewan Negara session will continue tomorrow.