A legal amendment is being drafted to allow enforcement against consignors and consignees of cargo carried in overload lorries. This was said by Transport Minister Anthony Loke during a press conference in Kuala Lumpur, and reported by Bernama.
Speaking to reporters, Loke said the changes in the law is to hold the entire transport system accountable for overloading and that all cargo transported complies with legal limits. “We will be taking stricter action moving forward. I want to remind consignors and consignees that, currently, only drivers and vehicle owning companies are penalised for offences involving their lorries, including overloading,” said Loke.
Loke added work is being done on amendments to the law to ensure both senders and receivers of goods are also held responsible. “The entire eco-system must comply to ensure road safety,” he said.
“People often complain about potholes on Malaysian roads. One major cause is overloaded lorries. When roads deteriorate, not only do maintenance costs go up, but the safety risk, especially to motorcyclists, increases dramatically,” Loke added.
Loke further said quarry or factory owners will often pressure lorry drivers and transport companies to carry excess loads to reduce operating costs and remain competitive. “The Road Transport Department (JPJ) will be enforcing stricter measures, including meetings with quarry and sand operators to issue final warnings before stepping up enforcement,” Loke said.
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