EXPERTS CALL FOR MANDATORY MAINTENANCE COMPLIANCE RECORDS FOR DIESEL SUBSIDIES

By Muhammad Faiz Baharin and Mohd Adli Shahar

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 28 (Bernama) -- In the wake of the recent tragic accident in Melaka that claimed seven lives, among the preventive measures proposed is for the government to mandate periodic vehicle maintenance compliance records as a prerequisite for approving diesel subsidy applications for commercial vehicle companies.

Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Faculty of Technology Management and Business, head of the Manufacturing Technology Management Focus Group, senior lecturer Mohamed Ismail KP Pakir Mohamed believes such a measure would compel company owners to ensure their heavy vehicles are roadworthy. 

“This requires commitment. It is time for company owners to be accountable for ensuring their heavy vehicles are safe on the road. They must allocate funds for maintenance costs in their business plans.

“They can emulate commercial vehicle companies in Japan by appointing safety officers responsible for inspecting the condition of vehicles before they leave or return to company premises or project sites,” he told Bernama recently.

On Dec 23, seven people were killed and 33 others injured in an accident involving a tour bus carrying 27 passengers, two lorries, a car, and an MPV at KM 204 of the North-South Expressway (PLUS) northbound, near the Ayer Keroh Rest and Service Area in Melaka.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that preliminary investigations revealed that the accident was caused by a trailer lorry's tyre coming off.

The tour bus involved reportedly attempted to avoid the dislodged tyre but lost control and collided with three other vehicles from the opposite direction.

Mohamed Ismail also suggested that to address the issue of some commercial vehicle companies’ neglecting safety standards compliance, the government provides incentives, such as tax exemptions, for those demonstrating outstanding compliance.

Section 12 of the Road Transport Act 1987 mandates that all commercial vehicles undergo initial and periodic inspections at Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centres (PUSPAKOM) under current regulations to ensure roadworthiness.

On Dec 5, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah reported that from 2022 to 2024, the Road Transport Department issued over 1.512 million summonses for various offenses involving commercial vehicles, including 7,259 compounds related to overloading.

Hasbi added that from 2019 to 2024, a total of 5,559 audits were conducted on 3,088 companies, resulting in 210 operator licences and 67 vehicle permits being suspended, while two operator licences and 32 vehicle permits were revoked.

A total of 12 accidents involving heavy vehicle tyres detaching have been reported nationwide from 2012 to this year.

Meanwhile, Universiti Putra Malaysia’s (UPM), head of the Road Safety Research Centre, associate professor Dr Law Teik Hua, proposed that the government mandate all commercial vehicles to be equipped with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and speed limit devices. 

“Tyres are among the most critical components. They pose a risk of detachment and can also burst, causing drivers to lose control due to pressure, especially when carrying heavy loads.

“With TPMS and controlled speed, tyre conditions can be continuously monitored while driving, and drivers can safely stop their vehicles if necessary,” he explained.

Law also suggested that mandatory periodic inspections and maintenance of heavy vehicles, currently conducted every six months, be adjusted based on distances travelled.

Meanwhile, Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department Director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri told Bernama that police will intensify monitoring of commercial vehicles.

“In addition to the ongoing Op Lancar, numerous other operations are also being carried out. Enforcement on commercial vehicles will be enhanced to raise awareness among all parties, especially following the recent accident in Melaka that tragically claimed seven lives,” he said.

-- BERNAMA