Preventive measure: The aftermath of an accident involving large lorries in Jawi. A group suggests setting up special lanes and adopting new technologies to increase vehicle safety. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Devices to monitor tyre pressure and special lanes for lorries are among measures that can reduce accidents involving such vehicles, according to a trade association, adding that these ideas have been proposed to the government in the past.
Association of Malaysia Hauliers (AMH) secretary Mohamad Azuan Masud said the group had engaged with the government through the Transport Ministry proposing suggestions for making roads safer for users.
He said this included a policy requiring the retrofitting of lorries with technology such as Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (Adas), Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), and dashboard cameras (dashcams).
“In our discussions with the government, we emphasised adopting new technologies to increase vehicle safety.
“We acknowledge that implementing such proposals should be gradual to mitigate any adverse effects,” said Mohamad Azuan.
He added that private entities had approached heavy vehicle operators to offer their expertise, but the high cost was a barrier.
“We hope if this policy is to be implemented, the government could provide tax exemptions or subsidies,” he said, adding that such investments would help make safer roads for everyone.
Mohamad Azuan also said that besides the technological aspect, the group had proposed the government upgrade road infrastructure.
“We have suggested a special lane for haulier trucks in some areas, such as near the ports nationwide,” he said.
“Having a special lane would make road maintenance easier. Sometimes, when we file a complaint, the road would only be fixed within the next few days.”
While acknowledging the financial implications, he insisted that these investments were crucial for enhancing road safety and public confidence.
He also said that AMH urged streamlined maintenance standards for haulier lorries.
Currently, operators have different standards depending on the vehicle manufacturers.
“Some would follow the guidelines, while others might disregard them,” he said.
AMH is a permanent member of the National Logistics Transport Task Force under the Transport Ministry and meets at least twice a year.
Mohamad Azuan urged the government to expedite the studies on its proposals and come up with a decision to avoid more unwanted incidents involving heavy vehicles.
Meanwhile, he commended the Road Transport Department (JPJ) for its heavier enforcement since late last year.
“AMH did receive some updates from its members saying that there have been more enforcement activities by JPJ following several fatal accidents involving heavy vehicles.
“This commitment should be applauded,” he said.
It was reported that a total of 1,457 deaths were recorded on 3,500 road accidents involving lorries across the country from Jan 2019 to last November.
During the same period, 473 cases of serious injuries and 1,076 cases of minor injuries were reported.
Last November, a woman in Penang was killed on the spot when a container being transported on a trailer lorry toppled and crushed her car.
That same month in Johor, a 33-year-old aerospace engineer was killed in an accident involving a trailer ferrying a container filled with fertiliser, which crashed into the guardrail in the middle of the highway.
