REAL-TIME monitoring of heavy vehicles could be realised by 2027 through a digitised audit system, the Dewan Rakyat was told.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said this would be through the digitisation of the Road Transport Department’s (JPJ) Inspection and Safety Audit (JISA), which is currently being developed.
He said the system allows audits to be carried out remotely through a mechanism that ensures continuity, efficiency and transparency.
“The system is expected to be completed and used in 2027.
“Here, data from global positioning systems (GPS) will be integrated into the JISA database to detect any non-compliance in real time.
“This includes speeding and operating outside of permitted hours,” he said yesterday.
Loke added that the digitisation is expected to speed up the detection of non-compliance while enhancing enforcement measures and reducing red tape.
According to the minister, some 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, while also aiming to reduce accidents involving heavy vehicles, ensuring better road safety,” he said.
He said the audits encompass five elements, comprising the management of safety, vehicles, drivers, records, and risk.
It is also compulsory for operators to adhere to seven mandatory requirements under the Occupational Safety and Health Industry Code of Practice for Road Transport Activities (iCOP).
This comprises appointing a safety officer, installing and monitoring the GPS, adherence towards travel and rest time, emergency preparedness, and ensuring the presence of a company hotline.
He said between 2019 to August this year, 11 operating licences and 12 vehicle permits have been cancelled.
“Whenever a JISA audit fails, the operating licence will be suspended for a certain period,” he said, adding that 562 operating licences and 56 vehicle permits are undergoing suspension.
The low JISA compliance rate suggests that operators may feel that previous enforcement efforts were “not serious”.
Between 2021 to 2022, Loke said audits were rarely conducted, with efforts being more aggressive in the following years.
“A stern message has been sent by the ministry, through JPJ - that penalties can be heavy for operators, especially the suspension of operating licences for a certain period if there is non-compliance of JISA,” he said, adding that JISA compliance only incurs a nominal cost.
Using the GPS as an example, he said there are also companies that offer a subscription service for the product.
“It may cost only between RM50 to RM60 monthly. The GPS is essential as it monitors the vehicle’s movement, whether they adhere to speed limits, and if they are using routes where they are not supposed to,” he said in response to questions from Mordi Bimol (PH-Mas Gading) and Khairil Nizam Khirudin (PN-Jerantut).
“GPS monitoring is a critical element and the challenge now is how we can integrate this data into JPJ’s system,” he said, adding that the item is also requested during accidents for further investigations.
