High on the highway: hidden cause in heavy crashes?

Free Malaysia Today

10-07-2025

As road fatalities involving heavy vehicles continue to rise in Malaysia, public concern is mounting, as recent media reports have shown.
Just last month, a tragic lorry accident near Teluk Intan claimed the lives of nine FRU personnel. On Monday, 15 died in a devastating bus crash en route to Gerik on the East West Highway. Both accidents are under investigation.
Authorities investigating similar accidents in the past have identified a chilling common factor: drug use among commercial drivers.
Although drunk driving tends to dominate the headlines, in Malaysia, drug abuse—particularly involving stimulants like methamphetamine—is a growing and dangerous trend among lorry and bus drivers.
This quiet crisis is putting thousands of lives at risk daily on Malaysian roads and highways.
Real crisis
Driven by long hours, tight delivery schedules, and poor working conditions, many heavy goods vehicle and bus drivers resort to illicit drugs to stay alert.
But the consequences are deadly—impaired reflexes, poor judgement and increased accident risk.
The public is demanding action, and safety experts are urging authorities, especially the road transport department (JPJ), the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), the traffic division of PDRM and the transport ministry to implement urgent reforms.
Thus, I would like to suggest immediate actions be taken, to stop the rampant accident trend nationwide. These are listed below.
Immediate measures
Random drug testing at key locations
Surprise drug screenings at rest areas, toll plazas, and major bus terminals and ports—especially during the late-night hours—are critical to catching drivers under the influence before tragedy strikes.
Instant suspension of offenders
Drivers who fail drug tests should face immediate suspension of their commercial licences pending full investigation. No exceptions, no delays.
National zero-tolerance campaign
A high-impact media campaign should be launched immediately, using real stories, accident footage, mock-ups and testimonies to warn drivers and employers of the deadly risks and legal consequences.
The transport ministry, being the ministry responsible for transport policy, should take the lead in such campaign—which should run continuously for at least one year—and make a strong stand on this issue.
Tighter JPJ, traffic police & AADK coordination
Collaboration between JPJ, traffic police and narcotics enforcement must be ramped up to target known high-risk areas, highway routes and operators.
Short-term structural reforms
Quarterly drug testing must be introduced for drivers of all heavy goods vehicles (HGV) and public service vehicles (PSV).
All commercial driving licence holders must undergo mandatory drug screening every six months, with results centrally logged by JPJ to flag repeat offenders. Those who test positive must not be allowed back on the roads.
Employer accountability
Transport companies must implement in-house testing, provide mental health support, and face heavy penalties if their drivers are caught using drugs.
Driver vetting
Psychological screening and background checks must be introduced as part of the HGV and PSV licensing process to ensure only fit drivers are cleared for service.
In-vehicle driver monitoring
Install driver alertness systems and GPS tracking in all commercial vehicles to detect fatigue, erratic driving and long journeys undertaken without breaks.
Conclusion
We have no time left for further delays or inaction.
While the formation of committees to investigate the accident causes is good, such an approach is unlikely by itself to reduce the number of road mishaps.
Malaysia's highways are becoming increasingly dangerous, not just due to poor road conditions or speeding—but due to drivers getting high on illegal substances.
These drivers operate the largest and most dangerous vehicles on our roads and highways.
With every day of inaction more lives are being lost and families shattered. Confidence in road safety is fast eroding.
The authorities must act fast through enforcement, accountability and reform.
There is no room for compromise.
The author can be reached at: [email protected]
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.