Increase weight limit of lorries on Sarawak roads to match Peninsular Malaysia, urges state minister

SIBU: With the improved quality of roads across Sarawak, the permissible weight limit of lorries should be increased, says Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin.

The state Transport Minister said currently, lorries in Sarawak were limited to a maximum weight of 38 tonnes, which was lower than the limit for lorries in Peninsular Malaysia.

He reasoned that the roads and bridges in Sarawak were designed according to the same standards and specifications being applied in Peninsular Malaysia.

Certain federal roads in Sarawak, he said should now be moved from List II to List I, which allows for a higher weight limit.

"The government is fully aware that over the decades, logistics and forwarders businesses have grown and expanded. As economic activities expand and industries are lifted off from light to medium and heavy, the cargo and goods carried are far heavier.

"At the same time, Sarawak’s roads are expanding in terms of capacity and technical specifications.

"The double carriageway Pan Borneo Highway will be completed very soon, while Coastal Highway and Second Trunk Road are also under construction," he said in a speech read out by Sarawak Deputy Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister, Michael Tiang at the installation of new office bearers for Sibu Lorry Association on Saturday (April 29) night.

He said his ministry has submitted its recommendation to Deputy Premier and state Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah.