Transport Minister says telematics trials planned for commercial vehicles as safety concerns mount post-crash
SERDANG: The Transport Ministry is still reviewing the implementation of telematics and dashcams in heavy vehicles, including buses.
Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook (pic) said the ministry plans to appoint several companies to conduct proof-of-concept trials for telematics devices, not only for buses but also for other commercial vehicles.
“This is something the ministry is currently reviewing,” he told reporters after the launch of the Karnival Pengangkutan Siswa Madani dan FLYsiswa at Universiti Putra Malaysia here today.
There has been renewed concern online, with passengers complaining that night bus drivers often use phones while driving.
A former express bus driver, who spoke to theSun on condition of anonymity, said many drivers operating at night rely on smartphones to stay awake.
“Some drivers don’t just use their phones casually. They use popular apps such as TikTok to watch videos, while others chat with family or friends through voice or video calls,” he said, adding that some even watch live videos on social media to stay alert during long journeys.
“Although we know it is extremely risky, this behaviour has become common among express bus drivers,” he said, revealing that some drivers also communicate with fellow bus drivers on the road.
“Driving alone for long hours can be tiring and boring without anyone to talk to or even music for company,” he added.
The Road Transport Department (JPJ) requires express bus companies to provide a second driver for journeys exceeding 300 kilometres.
However, the former driver said that in most cases, the second driver accompanies the main driver only at the start of the journey before resting, leaving the main driver alone for most of the trip.
Accidents involving express buses, particularly during late-night or early-morning hours, frequently occur, especially during festive seasons and school holidays.
On Jan 11, five passengers were trapped in an accident involving an express bus carrying 42 passengers and a lorry at Kilometre 1.0 of the North-South Expressway (PLUS) southbound. No fatalities were reported.
ALSO READ: 15 injured in expressway crash involving bus and lorry near Rawang
Commenting on the crash, Loke said audits are immediately conducted following public transport accidents.
“JPJ carries out the inspections, which are then submitted to the Public Transport Commission (APAD). Operators that fail audits face suspension,” he said.
He also confirmed that the ministry is checking whether the bus and its operator comply with speed limiter devices (SLDs), adding that action will be taken if they fail to install them.
Last year, the ministry announced plans to make dashboard cameras compulsory in heavy vehicles to improve road safety.
Loke said while video cameras are not yet mandatory, stricter enforcement—including onboard cameras and safeguards for speed limiters—is necessary, as tampering has been detected during regular checks.
The Rawang incident has renewed calls for stricter enforcement on heavy vehicles, particularly buses, highlighting ongoing safety concerns on Malaysian highways.
