KUALA LUMPUR: Real-time monitoring of heavy vehicles could be in place by 2027 through a digitised audit system, the Dewan Rakyat was told.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said this will be via the digitisation of the Road Transport Department Inspection and Safety Audit (JISA).
He said the system allows remote audits with continuity, efficiency and transparency.
“The system is expected to be completed and used in 2027,” he said on Tuesday (Oct 7).
“Here, data from global positioning systems will be integrated into the JISA database to detect any non‑compliance in real time. This includes speeding and operating outside permitted hours,” he said.
Loke said digitisation is expected to speed up detection of non‑compliance, enhance enforcement and reduce red tape.
He said 7,228 audits have been carried out by the Road Transport Department as of Aug 31.
“These are part of continuous efforts to ensure industry compliance with safety standards,” he said.
Loke then said that the aim is also to reduce heavy vehicle accidents and improve road safety and added that the audits cover five elements.
These are management of safety, vehicles, drivers, records and risk.
He said operators must meet seven mandatory requirements under the ICOP for Road Transport Activities.
These include appointing a safety officer, installing and monitoring GPS, and adhering to travel and rest times.
They also include emergency preparedness and ensuring a company hotline is available.
Between 2019 and August this year, 11 operating licences and 12 vehicle permits were cancelled.
“Whenever a JISA audit fails, the operating licence will be suspended for a certain period,” he said.
He said 562 operating licences and 56 vehicle permits are now under suspension.
Loke also said JISA compliance remains low, and operators may have felt past enforcement was not serious.
He said audits were rarely conducted between 2021 and 2022, and added that efforts have been more aggressive in the following years.
“A stern message has been sent by the Ministry, through the Road Transport Department,” he said.
He said penalties can be heavy, especially suspending operating licences for non‑compliance with JISA.
Loke said JISA compliance only incurs a nominal cost.
He cited GPS subscriptions as an example.
“It may cost only between RM50 to RM60 monthly,” he said.
He said GPS is essential to monitor speed limits and route use.
“GPS monitoring is critical and the challenge is integrating this data into the Department’s system,” he said.
He said GPS data is also requested after accidents for investigations.
Loke was responding to Mordi Bimol and Khairil Nizam Khirudin, who asked about the matter.
