KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 — The government will not compromise with industry groups that fail to comply with regulations on overloaded vehicles and has ruled out any negotiations on the issue, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the government would not tolerate any party that violates the law and would continue to prioritise road safety, despite reactions from industry groups over the strict enforcement.
“When strict enforcement action is taken, there will certainly be pushback from the industry. This is normal. But the fact is, they know that the practice of overloading has been around for a long time.
“They actually want us to negotiate with them, which I see as challenging the government’s authority. They committed an offence and then asked for negotiations.
"I told them, forget it. There will be no negotiations. Law enforcement will continue,” he said during the question-and-answer session.
Loke was responding to Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan's supplementary query on the complaints from several construction associations regarding the Road Transport Department’s (JPJ) strict action against overloaded heavy vehicles, which had allegedly resulted in higher material costs and more trips to transport goods.
He added that the practice of overloading has persisted for a long time, with many in the industry failing to comply with the law.
“The problem is, for years, they have taken the approach of not complying with the law. So what choice do we have?
"If we bow to pressure from this group, we might as well turn a blind eye and let this offence continue. But is cost more important than human lives?
"My answer is that human lives are more important,” Loke said, noting that road users' safety should not be compromised for company profits.
Responding to the original question from Setiu MP Shaharizukirnain Abd Kadir on the development of the Driver Data System by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), the minister said the primary focus at present is on preparing the system’s technical specifications, securing allocations, and managing the tender process to appoint qualified service providers.
Once all processes were completed, an implementing party was expected to be appointed, and system development would begin in the near future.
For the next phase, he said the implementation of the system would involve integration with several key agencies, including JPJ, the Royal Malaysia Police, and the National Anti-Drugs Agency.
