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The Star
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Strict GDL rules could hinder driver recruitment, says Johor Trucking Association
KULAI: Excessive rules and regulations imposed on Goods Driving Licence (GDL) holders may make it more difficult for logistic companies to recruit drivers, warns the 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.
New Straits Times
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Lorry associations divided over FRU crash findings
KUALA LUMPUR: Lorry associations are split over the preliminary report released by the Transport Ministry on the crash that claimed the lives of several Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) personnel in Teluk Intan, Perak. Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Lorry Operators Association (SKLLOA) secretary-general Alvin Choong acknowledged that overloading is a known issue within the industry, but said it was unfair to place full blame on the operator. "We are placing all the blame on this particular lorry, but it went through the proper inspection at Puspakom. It had been certified as roadworthy. It's not fair to blame them 100 per cent," he told the New Straits Times. Johor Truck Operators Association (JTA) president Chai Pei Yoon, however, admitted the issues cited in the report were not uncommon. "These are not always the result of bad intentions, but often stem from operational pressures and a lack of clear support or guidance," she said. Chai said the importance of better education for operators, clearer regulations, and practical support to help companies comply with requirements. She added that the association was ready to work with the authorities to raise industry standards. Earlier today, the Transport Ministry's preliminary report revealed that the lorry involved in the crash had a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 40,960kg - 70.67 per cent above the permitted limit of 24,000kg. The vehicle also failed to meet requirements on the installation and functionality of its Global Positioning System (GPS), and was found to be operating outside of its technical specifications by transporting gravel instead of coal. On May 13, an FRU lorry carrying 18 personnel from Unit 5 Sungai Senam was involved in a collision with the gravel-laden lorry along Jalan Chikus-Sungai Lampam, at about 8.50am. Eight policemen were killed at the scene, while another died while receiving treatment at Teluk Intan Hospital. The remaining nine were injured.
