PUTRAJAYA: The Transport Ministry will focus on the issue of overloading of heavy vehicles this year, especially the legislative aspects.
Minister Anthony Loke (pic) said towards this end, it would review laws such as the Road Transport Act 1987, Land Public Transport Act 2010 and the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board Act 1987.
This includes reviewing the rates of compounds and fines for overloading offences.
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"So, this year, it is our focus to tackle the issue of overloading, which has been going on for years.
"I want to state here my desire and determination to, once and for all, tackle and resolve this issue of overloading. It needs a lot of integrated actions,” he told a press conference after delivering the ministry’s 2025 New Year message at a ceremony here on Monday (Jan 6).
He said the ministry will review the logistics ecosystem, and also collaborate with port authorities to resolve the issue of overloaded vehicles.
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"We are also studying the suitability of imposing liability on the consignee, who may be responsible in the ecosystem for the offence,” he added.
Loke said the ministry will also look at the legal framework to gazette regulations for pick-up vehicles to carry goods or loads safely as long as they do not exceed the permitted weight limit.
"This is to ensure uniformity from the aspects of legislation and enforcement in the field,” he said.
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Loke also said the ministry will review its policy on the registration and use of rebuilt vehicles to ensure that only heavy vehicles with the best integrity, safety and quality are allowed on the road.
"For this, the ministry will collaborate with the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) to comprehensively review this policy,” he said.
Based on Road Transport Department figures, he said there are currently 145,836 rebuilt vehicles with active status and 38,000 units that are inactive nationwide. – Bernama
