JOHOR BARU: As the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone is expected to spur on a construction boom and more traffic, sand and granite lorry operators in the state have taken extra steps to boost safety.
They are especially determined to do so after obtaining the ISO 39001:2012 Road Traffic Safety Management certification.
Johor Sand and Granite Lorry Operators’ Association president Frankie Chia said it is not easy for a non-governmental organisation to obtain the ISO certification but they managed to achieve it in 10 months without engaging consultants.
“Apart from the association, three of our member companies also obtained the same certification in November.
“We are expecting to see a significant increase in the movement of raw materials and goods with the upcoming Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.
“This is our effort to move the industry towards a more professional level,” he said in an interview.
Chia said the ISO certification is a comprehensive land transport safety ecosystem that not only improves the safety standards of the lorry operators but also the safety of other road users.
“We believe the certification can effectively improve systematic management that will not only help to cut the operator’s maintenance and diesel costs but also improve the driver’s quality and reduce road traffic accidents by 30%,” he said.
While applying for the ISO certification, the association also conducted the Occupational Safety and Health Industry Code of Practice for Road Transport Activities to help its members address matters related to safety.
The achievement, he said, showed the industry players’ commitment to enhancing road traffic safety within the land transport and logistics sectors.
“The journey to obtain the international certification was not easy and we are grateful to have the support of so many parties along the way.
“This is a starting point for the industry players to strive for professionalism, as well as a safer and more efficient future,” he said.
Chia said the three certified companies are also the first batch of small and medium enterprises to also obtain a financial grant from the Social Security Organisation and participated in the Standards Compliance Stewardship Programme for Enterprises under the Malaysia Standards Department (JSM).
JSM strategic planning director Nor Latifah Hussin presented the ISO certificates to the association and the three companies during the guild’s 12th anniversary dinner recently.
According to the Sirim QAS International website, ISO 39001 Road Traffic Safety Management is a standard for organisations to reduce and prevent road fatalities and injuries.
It applies to both public and private organisations that interact with road traffic systems.
