KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s firm stand on curbing overloaded lorries will not be swayed by industry pressure or cost concerns, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
He said the Transport Ministry’s current crackdown on overloaded lorries will continue despite complaints from several industry groups who have warned that the move could delay projects and increase transportation expenses.
"Whenever we step up enforcement, we expect pushback from the industry. This is normal. But what matters most is the safety of road users and the protection of public infrastructure," he said in Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Oct 27).
Loke was responding to Syahredzan Johan (PH–Bangi), who asked about the ministry’s stance following concerns raised by the Master Builders Association of Malaysia (MBAM) that stricter action against overloaded vehicles could disrupt construction timelines.
He said the industry’s reaction showed how some players had long depended on weak enforcement to reduce costs.
"They admit they’ve been operating this way for years—overloading lorries to save money. Now that we are enforcing the law strictly, they are warning us about delays.
"That shows how widespread this practice has been," he said.
Loke said overloading was not a trivial matter as it posed serious risks to road safety and caused extensive damage to the country’s road network.
"Overloaded lorries don’t just endanger other motorists, they also damage our roads, highways, and bridges.
"Repairs cost the government millions every year. So I ask, which is more important - profit or public safety? For me, human life must come first," he said.
He criticised industry players who had urged the government to hold discussions or relax enforcement, saying there would be no compromise.
"They want us to negotiate even after breaking the law. I told them, forget it. There will be no negotiations. Enforcement of the law will go on," he said.
Loke also called out what he described as a long-standing culture of taking enforcement lightly.
"For too long, some quarters have been enjoying the lack of strict supervision. Now that we are serious, they call it harsh.
"But if we close our eyes and stop enforcing, what will the public say? People will accuse the government of being weak," he said.
He added that public sentiment had largely supported the crackdown, with many Malaysians demanding stronger action against heavy vehicles that pose a danger on highways and residential roads.
"My conscience is clear. I want to make sure Malaysians are safe on the road. Profits can be rebuilt, but lives lost cannot be replaced," he said.
Loke stressed that enforcement efforts will continue nationwide, with agencies under the Transport Ministry instructed to ensure all heavy vehicles comply with permitted weight limits and safety standards.
"This is not about punishing anyone - it’s about protecting everyone," he added.
