KUALA LUMPUR: The Transport Ministry is considering the phased implementation of speed limiter devices (SLDs) integrated with telematics systems to improve monitoring of heavy vehicles and enhance road safety, says Minister Anthony Loke.
Loke said the ministry is conducting a proof of concept with public transport agencies to test the integration of SLDs with telematics.
He said the system would allow authorities to monitor vehicle movements and driver behaviour, with all data securely stored and audited by the Road Transport Department (JPJ).
"This will help ensure that vehicles comply with speed limits and safety standards, and ultimately encourage more professional and cautious driving on our roads," he told Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Dec 2).
The minister was responding to Jimmy Puah Wee Tse (PH-Tebrau), who asked the ministry to state its plans for enforcing SLDs starting October 2025, where JPJ would implement the devices, and how the system could help reduce accidents involving heavy vehicles.
Loke explained that SLDs, which limit a vehicle’s maximum speed, usually operate through the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). For vehicles without an ECU, the device can be retrofitted mechanically to the engine or transmission system.
He said JPJ began mandatory enforcement of SLDs in the first phase from Oct 1, covering express buses, tour buses, and goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.
Compliance has improved from 2.68% at the start to 48.37% as of Dec 1. So far, 307 approved installers have been registered nationwide to install and certify the devices.
Vehicle owners must declare the SLD certification at Motor Vehicle Inspection Centres and keep the documentation in their vehicles for inspection.
Loke said integrating telematics with SLDs would allow authorities to track driver behaviour, monitor speed, and conduct audits more effectively. Implementation will be gradual, targeting high-risk vehicle categories first.
"We want to build a system that can monitor movement and behaviour systematically, so that actions can be taken where necessary and road safety can be improved," he added.
