The Transport Ministry Warns: Delaying Overloading Enforcement is a Safety Risk
KUALA LUMPUR: The Transport Ministry has issued a stark warning, emphasizing that delaying the full enforcement of laws on overloaded heavy vehicles is not a safe option. This decision comes as a response to the alarming rate of accidents involving such vehicles, which have tragically claimed numerous lives.
Datuk Hasbi Habibollah, the Deputy Transport Minister, acknowledged the calls for a six-month to one-year postponement or a phased implementation, understanding the need for operators to adjust their operations. However, he emphasized the gravity of the situation, citing police statistics that reveal a disturbing trend. In 2024 alone, 346 fatalities were recorded, with 260 involving lorries and 86 involving buses. From January to September this year, the numbers were equally alarming, with 260 fatalities, including 211 cases involving lorries and 49 involving buses.
These statistics clearly indicate that safety issues related to heavy vehicles are not minor concerns. They demand immediate and consistent action to ensure road safety.
The enforcement data from the Op Perang Lebih Muatan (War on Overloading) operation further highlights the widespread non-compliance. Out of 129,778 heavy vehicles inspected, 3,087 were found to be overloaded, and 5,915 notices were issued for various offences. Technical findings from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) revealed a critical issue: overloaded commercial vehicles face a high risk of brake failure, instability on downhill stretches, and contribute significantly to road and bridge damage.
In contrast, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry provided reassurance about Malaysia's rice supply, stating that it remains sufficient. As of December 2, 1.263 million tonnes of physical stock were recorded, comprising 1.063 metric tonnes of trade stock and 200,000 tonnes of buffer stock. The ministry also highlighted its efforts to diversify import sources from Vietnam, Thailand, Pakistan, India, and Myanmar to ensure supply stability, especially in the face of global market disruptions or changes in export policies by producing countries.
Additionally, the ministry's agriculture-focused Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs have been upgraded to incorporate modern technologies such as automation, the Internet of Things, drones, and artificial intelligence (AI). These programs are now conducted in 16 training institutes nationwide, developed in collaboration with industry and academia to meet real-sector needs. The introduction of the Special Competency Certification (Remote Certificate of Competency – Agriculture Light, RCoC-AL) for agricultural drone operators has also been a significant step, offering lower training costs and shorter periods, which will accelerate the development of skilled talent in farm technology.
The ministry has also established strategic cooperation with the industry through the Smart Agriculture directory, providing a platform for matching expertise with career opportunities for youth. The 2026 Supply Bill debate was concluded by the Deputy Foreign Minister, Datuk Mohamad Alamin, and the Deputy Home Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, with the Dewan Negara sitting resuming on December 11.
