KUALA LUMPUR – Transport Minister Anthony Loke has announced a comprehensive ban on heavy vehicles during the peak days of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri period.
Loke said that the prohibition would take effect two days before Hari Raya Aidilfitri, on April 8 and 9, which fall on Monday and Tuesday next week. The two-day Hari Raya public holiday is expected to fall on April 10 and 11.
“No commercial trucks will be permitted on the roads, except for critical sectors. Lorries and other heavy vehicles will be restricted from road access during these two days,” he said.
The ban will extend to the Hari Raya weekend, April 13 and 14, resulting in a total of four days where heavy vehicles are prohibited from operating during the festive period.
In addition to this measure, Loke addressed forthcoming safety audits for transportation companies, emphasising the ongoing commitment to enhance safety standards.
“Safety audits will be conducted periodically for transport companies, and they will be continued (into the future). Any vehicles or lorry operators that are involved in any accidents will be immediately investigated by the Road Transport Department,” he said.
He said that the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) would conduct audits on vehicle operators, with stringent repercussions for those failing safety assessments.
If operators fail safety audits following a road accident, their licences will be promptly suspended after a thorough assessment by the Transport Ministry, Loke added.
“We will take stern action against any operator that is involved in any road accidents. We are also enforcing strict measures on lorries that are found to be exceeding their load limit.
“We have never reduced or lightened any punishments towards the operators despite their complaints regarding the strict punishment because we feel there is no compromise for this sort of action,” he said.
Loke was speaking to reporters during a visit to the Southern Integrated Terminal (TBS) in light of the approaching Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, responding to questions from reporters concerning the ban, prompted by recent lorry accidents, including one on the North-South Expressway resulting in two fatalities. – April 2, 2024
