THE Ministry of Transport is constantly carrying out initiatives to ensure road safety among road users.
Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said that the ministry frequently holds discussions and engagement sessions with the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) Sarawak to address issues related to monitoring the movement of large trucks that may damage roads and pose safety risks.
“LPKP Sarawak has established conditions for commercial vehicle permit applications, including requirements for commercial vehicles to carry loads according to the specifications, routes, and weight limits approved under the LPKP Act 1987.
“Additionally, large trucks on federal roads in Sarawak are required to comply with the Weight Restriction Order issued by the Public Works Department (PWD) Malaysia.”
Dr Jerip said this in reply to Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman (GPS-Tupong) during the question-and-answer session today (Nov 14).
Earlier, Fazzrudin asked what steps or existing laws can be used to ensure that large trucks carrying soil do not use roads that compromise safety and cause damage to the areas they pass through.
Dr Jerip also said that the Road Transport Department (JPJ) Sarawak also consistently conducts monitoring and enforcement throughout Sarawak through various operations as an effort to ensure compliance with the law among road users, particularly commercial vehicle operators.
“Additionally, local authorities and the PWD can take the initiative to place load limit signs on specific roads to notify truck drivers, allowing JPJ and the police to follow up with enforcement actions if needed.”
He added among the actions that can be taken against commercial vehicles are under Section 79 of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Penalty for disregarding traffic directions and signals), Section 19 of the LPKP Act 1987 (Overloading), and Rule 19 of the Traffic Rules 1959 (Dangerous Loads).
On a supplementary question on how many vehicles have been subject to enforcement actions or fines, Dr Jerip said a total of 73,761 cars were inspected in 2023, and among them, 9,650 vehicles faced enforcement actions, with 12,129 summons notices issued.
“As for 2024, between January and September, 75,295 cars were inspected. Of these, 13,298 vehicles faced enforcement actions, and 14,120 summons notices were issued.”
