No compromise: Heavy vehicle operators should understand the technical requirements and carry out the necessary upgrades before enforcement of the new brake parameter for lorries is implemented on March 1.
PETALING JAYA: Transport operators are asking for more clarity over the enforcement of the new brake parameter for lorries, saying more engagement is needed before its planned rollout on March 1.
While supporting efforts to enhance road safety, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Lorry Operators Association secretary-general Alvin Choong said older lorries may require major modifications to comply with the ruling.
He also proposed a phased enforcement period, beginning with newer trucks, to allow older vehicles to adjust accordingly.
According to Choong, most commercial vehicle operators are in the dark on this, with little to no information given on the requirement.
“It’s a good move to delay the enforcement for now, but this period should be used to explain what the move entails and how it will be carried out.
“For newer trucks, it can be easier to comply, but for older vehicles, it’s not that feasible in a short time frame,” he said when contacted.
Choong also called for engagement to be held with other related stakeholders, including workshops.
“When it comes to road safety, we will always support it,” he added.
Road safety expert Assoc Prof Law Teik Hua said advisory phases without fines or penalties may be useful in facilitating the transition while still driving home the point that compliance remains paramount.
“The key to effective safety regulation is not only implementation but also its adoption by those in the business sector through understanding how it contributes towards a better environment for all road users,” said Assoc Prof Law, who heads the Road Safety Research Centre at Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Engineering Faculty.
He said the deferment until March 1 should be used by heavy vehicle operators to understand the technical requirements and carry out the necessary upgrades.
He also emphasised the need for proper preparations among regulators to ensure industry players can align vehicle maintenance practices with safety outcomes, instead of only responding to compliance.
“It is not enough to be aware (of the rules) at this point. The real question is how the intervening period is used,” he said.
Law said collaboration and understanding between regulators and the business sector are crucial to ensure the effectiveness of road safety matters.
Recently, the Road Transport Department announced the postponement of the implementation of a new brake parameter for lorries, called brake drag force, until March 1.
This came following an earlier notice that it would commence on Jan 12.
The deferment was announced by Puspakom in a Facebook post on Friday.
In a statement to the media last week, the inspection agency said heavy vehicles will fail the inspection if their brake settings are found to be excessively tight or loose, as these conditions can increase the risk of accidents.
“Brake performance is one of the most critical safety elements in heavy vehicles.
“Settings that are too tight or too loose compromise a driver’s ability to control the vehicle, particularly during emergency braking or when travelling downhill,” said its chief executive officer, Mahmood Razak Bahman.
One of the key aspects assessed under the revised protocol is drag force, which refers to residual friction that keeps brakes partially engaged even when the brake pedal is not pressed.
Excessive drag can create unwanted resistance and heat, as well as reduced brake efficiency over time.
“While most vehicle owners and operators comply with standards, a small number temporarily adjust brake settings to pass inspections before reverting to the system for operational convenience.
“This practice places not only the driver at risk but also other road users,” Mahmood said, while urging vehicle owners to work with certified workshops to ensure brakes are properly calibrated before inspections.
