PUTRAJAYA: With just a week to the Oct 1 deadline, more than 97% of heavy vehicles registered after Jan 1, 2015, have yet to verify the functionality of their speed limiters, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Ahead of the first phase of enforcement, Loke said only 2,915, or 2.68%, of the 108,805 vehicles had complied.
The total number of heavy commercial vehicles involved in the first phase of enforcement comprises 2,528 express buses, 6,241 tour buses and 100,036 heavy commercial vehicles weighing more than 3,500kg.
However, only 62 express buses, 33 tour buses and 2,820 heavy commercial vehicles have verified their speed limiters as of Tuesday.
“It seems as if industry players are not serious about this matter. However, we will not compromise, and enforcement will begin in October,” Loke told a press conference at the ministry’s headquarters yesterday.
Among the excuses given, he said, were claims of insufficient inspection centres or a lack of time.
“It has already been three months since the announcement. Some claim long queues at inspection centres, but this is not true, as fewer than 3,000 heavy vehicles have come forward for verification.
“We have the capacity to handle the volume. They are just taking a wait-and-see approach.”
According to Loke, the installation, configuration and activation of speed limiters must be verified by bodies recognised by the Road Transport Department (JPJ).
A verification slip will then be issued.
“This slip must be presented during motor vehicle inspections for permit renewals with the relevant government agencies. It must also be kept in the vehicle at all times and renewed every two years to ensure the device is functioning properly.”
Loke said there would, however, be some leeway when enforcement begins. Offenders will be issued a notice, not a summons.
The notice will require the vehicle to be brought to a JPJ office within 10 days, along with proof that its speed limiter has been verified, he explained.
He added that while Puspakom has not been involved in the process so far, it may be included later.
In July, Loke said enforcement of speed limiters in heavy vehicles would be carried out in phases, with the first to begin in October.
The move comes after 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students were killed earlier this year when their chartered bus overturned after colliding with a multi-purpose vehicle on the East-West Highway near Gerik.
The crash also left 33 others injured, including the bus driver, his assistant and the driver, and three passengers of the MPV.
On another matter, Loke revealed that owners of more than 6,000 luxury vehicles owe over RM35mil in unpaid road tax, with some of the cars belonging to “Tan Sri”s and politicians.
This involves a total of 6,360 vehicles, comprising 345 Rolls-Royce, 372 Lamborghinis, 660 Bentleys, 675 Ferraris and 4,308 Porsches.
“We have all the owners’ details and vehicle types. These are individuals who are clearly financially capable of paying, as their cars are worth millions.
“Please cooperate and settle your road tax,” he urged.
Loke warned that “drastic action” would be taken against defaulters, adding that JPJ will conduct continuous operations on the matter.
