Strict GDL rules could hinder driver recruitment, says Johor Trucking Association
Its president, Chai Pei Yoon, acknowledged the need for enhanced road safety following recent high-profile incidents involving heavy vehicles, particularly lorries, but argued that blaming lorry drivers entirely was unjust.
"As employers, we have instructed our drivers to always follow road rules and not to speed. However, many accidents happen due to human error, and to put the blame solely on lorries is unfair.
"In fact, the new rule by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to suspend the licence of a lorry driver involved in crashes before investigations are completed is unjustified," she added.
Chai spoke to the media after attending the association's safety talk programme held at a cafe in Indahpura on Friday (July 11).
She added that this new regulation could make it difficult for logistic companies to hire new drivers, and current drivers might seek other employment.
"We urge the Transport Ministry to hold discussions or dialogues with stakeholders, including us, to find an amicable solution. The Johor Trucking Association hopes to discuss a win-win situation with the ministry to improve our industry further. Among the measures we are considering is a better training programme for drivers," she said.
Meanwhile, the association secretary, C.K Tan, stated that suspending the licences of lorry drivers before any court ruling was unjust.
"Court cases take a long time before any judgment is given, and suspending a driver's licence affects their livelihood since these drivers are paid based on trips.
"Many drivers are now seeking other jobs because the rules have become too strict. If this continues, it will affect the supply chain as goods cannot be delivered due to a lack of drivers," he added.
Tan also mentioned that the demand for lorry drivers in Johor is high due to numerous investments and sectors opening up, particularly within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
Last Sunday, Bernama reported that JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli announced the suspension of commercial vehicle drivers' licences involved in crashes until investigations are completed.
Should the holder of a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence or GDL be found guilty after a police investigation, their licences will be terminated.
"To ensure commercial vehicle drivers are competent, the department will ensure that suspended individuals must undergo and pass a refresher course before their licences are reactivated or removed from the suspension list.
"The refresher course will be organised by the department at locations to be determined later, and drivers will be charged fees to cover the cost of the course," he said.
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