Latest news with #MohamadAzuanMasud
New Straits Times
23-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Pause in toll rate increases a critical buffer for hauliers: AMH
KUALA LUMPUR: A pause in toll rate increases will be a critical buffer for Malaysia's freight forwarders against rising operational pressures, industry players said. The Association of Malaysian Hauliers (AMH) welcomed the government's decision to halt planned toll hikes on 10 major highways this year, describing it as a timely intervention for an industry already grappling with rising costs. Its executive secretary Mohamad Azuan Masud said the toll freeze gives hauliers some short-term relief and cost stability, as tolls are a major part of their operating expenses. "As an industry that moves over 90 per cent of Malaysia's containerised goods by road, hauliers have long operated under tight margins, further pressured by increasing costs for spare parts, maintenance, compliance and wages. "The freeze is a timely decision that allows transporters to plan operations more efficiently without unexpected toll adjustments mid-contract," he told Business Times. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said the government had postponed scheduled toll hikes on 10 highways to maintain the current rates for the public. As a result, the government will bear costs exceeding RM500 million. The highways include rthe Senai-Desaru Expressway, East Coast Expressway Phase 2, South Klang Valley Expressway, Butterworth Outer Ring Road and KL-Putrajaya Expressway. Azuan, however, said hauliers remain cautious with regard to another key cost component: diesel fuel. He said while the government had so far maintained fuel subsidies for commercial vehicles, the association was concerned about the upcoming shift towards a more targeted and potentially stricter implementation. "While the intention to curb leakages is understandable, the administrative process for verifying eligibility and managing claims could become burdensome for transport companies already dealing with complex logistics and tight schedules," he added. Therefore, the association urged the government to ensure that any mechanism for diesel subsidy targeting be streamlined, efficient and designed with minimal disruption to operations. It also called for sufficient stakeholder engagement before implementation to avoid unintended consequences. Additionally, the association stressed the need for fair support for hauliers, who form the backbone of land logistics, to ensure that cost control efforts translate into supply chain stability. Azuan said the association sees the toll freeze as a positive first step, but emphasised that it should be part of a broader, long-term strategy to enhance the sustainability of Malaysia's logistics sector. "This includes targeted incentives, infrastructure upgrades and inclusive policymaking. AMH remains committed to supporting the government's efforts through constructive dialogue and continued collaboration," he added.
The Star
29-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Container transport industry does not use fake GPS, says group
PETALING JAYA: The issue of dummy Global Positioning System (GPS) used in heavy commercial vehicles does not affect the container haulage sector, says the Association of Malaysian Hauliers. Its secretary Mohamad Azuan Masud said this was because container hauliers operate in a highly-regulated and system-integrated environment. 'To gain access to port terminals, prime movers must have functioning GPS devices that are linked to the port terminal systems. 'This makes it virtually impossible for hauliers to operate without an active GPS,' he said when contacted. Mohamad Azuan said container hauliers are among the most technologically advanced in Malaysia's commercial logistics industry. 'We have long adopted best practices in the region, including GPS tracking, driver behaviour monitoring systems and soon, the advanced driver-assistance system to improve operational efficiency and safety. 'We are working closely with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) to ensure smoother and safer adoption of these technologies,' he said. Mohamad Azuan urged the Works Ministry and the Public Works Department to increase scheduled road maintenance near port areas where heavy cargo traffic is concentrated. 'As cargo volumes are projected to increase, revisiting the Weight Restriction Order alongside road infrastructure upgrades will be necessary to ensure safety and long-term sustainability,' he added. Mohamad Azuan said the association would fully support measures by the Transport Ministry to enhance safety standards and reduce accidents involving commercial vehicles. 'We are committed to playing our part as responsible industry players,' he said. Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association president Datuk Ashfar Ali said all buses under them are installed with serviceable GPS devices and that their movements are constantly monitored by Apad. 'There is no question of our buses operating without a GPS or having a ghost GPS installed to deceive the authorities. 'Even when a bus breaks down and is expected not to be in use for an extended period, we would have to notify Apad. 'Hence, it is not possible to operate without the device,' he said. Ashfar said there are buses of various roles, but only express and stage buses come under the purview of the association.
New Straits Times
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Haulage firms push for driver background checks, digital safety systems
KUALA LUMPUR: Employers in the haulage industry currently lack access to a centralised platform for screening drivers' criminal or drug-related records, says Association of Malaysia Hauliers (AMH). Its executive secretary Mohamad Azuan Masud said, "There is no formal platform to vet drivers' backgrounds. We rely on personal or previous employer references." He also pointed out that the Kejara demerit points system, used for tracking traffic offences, was not accessible to employers for screening purposes. In response to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's recent call for company owners to take greater responsibility for accidents involving their vehicles, Azuan stressed that haulage companies were already held accountable through stringent regulations. These include the Industry Code of Practice (ICOP) audits conducted by the Road Transport Department (RTD). "What the deputy prime minister said is not new. ICOP audits are already in place and actively enforced," Azuan said. "These audits ensure that operators comply with essential safety protocols, such as fire preparedness and safety briefings. Failure to meet these standards can lead to the suspension or revocation of operating permits." He also highlighted the thorough vehicle inspections carried out at Puspakom, ensuring technical compliance with regional standards. Despite the existing oversight, AMH is urging the government to support the adoption of advanced digital safety systems like onboard cameras and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (Adas), which could further enhance safety. "We've proposed these technologies, but the cost is prohibitive for many operators. Government funding is needed to make them viable," he added. As part of the National Logistics Task Force (NLTF), AMH has submitted both short-term and long-term recommendations to the Transport Ministry and is awaiting the government's response. Zahid made the remarks following a tragic crash in Teluk Intan, Perak, where a rock-laden lorry collided with a vehicle carrying 18 Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) personnel, resulting in nine fatalities. The deputy prime minister stressed that such accidents could be prevented if companies took full responsibility for the condition of their vehicles and the drivers they employ.
