NEITHER pressure from industry players nor cost concerns will sway the government’s firm stand against overloaded lorries, says Anthony Loke (pic).
The Transport Minister said the current crackdown on overloaded lorries will continue despite complains from several industries, claiming that the move could delay projects while increasing transportation costs.
“We expect pushback from the industry whenever we step up enforcement.
“This is normal. What matters most is the safety of road users and the protection of public infrastructure,” he said when responding to Syahredzan Johan (PH-Bangi).
Syahredzan wanted to know the ministry’s stance following concerns raised by the Master Builders Association of Malaysia (MBAM) that stricter action against overloaded vehicles could disrupt construction schedules.
Loke said the reaction from the industry showed how some players had long depended on weak enforcement to reduce costs.
“They admit they have 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,” he said.
Loke said the issue was not a trivial matter as it posed serious risks to road safety while causing extensive damage to the nation’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.
“Which is more important, profit or public safety?
“For me, human life must come first,” he said.
He chided industry players for urging the government to hold talks or relax enforcement.
“They want us to negotiate even after breaking the law.
“I told them, forget it. There will be no negotiations and enforcement will go on,” he said.
Loke noted that public sentiment largely supported the crackdown, with many Malaysians demanding tougher 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.
On a separate matter, Loke said the ministry is promoting a public-private partnership model to expand the number of bus stops aimed at encouraging more use of public transport.
He said the approach will allow private companies that adopts a particular bus-stop to display advertisements at the stops they fund and maintain.
“Not all bus stops need to be built by the government or local councils.
“We are introducing a programme where private companies can adopt bus stops.
“This will create a win-win partnership and help strengthen the infrastructure at the ground level,” he said when responding to Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka).
Earlier, Loke told the House that as of August, a total of 49,611 people have benefited from the BAS.MY free bus service for senior citizens, school and university students, and persons with disabilities (OKU).
He said 78% of the users were senior citizens, followed by school students (13%), OKU (6%) and university students (3%).
“The highest number of users were recorded in Johor Baru (16,832), followed by Kuching (10,215), Ipoh (7,304), Seremban (6,310) and Melaka (4,668).”
The BAS.MY service currently operates in Kangar, Kota Setar, Ipoh, Seremban, Melaka, Johor Baru, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Baru and Kuching while being rolled out in stages in Kota Kinabalu.
