The Ministry of Transport issues new rules for goods vehicles under 7,500 kg, clarifying when an operator’s permit is needed for commercial transport.
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Transport has issued new guidelines governing the use of de-controlled vehicles and pick-ups for transporting goods. The rules will take effect on April 1.
Minister Anthony Loke said the guidelines aim to eliminate confusion among road users and ensure more consistent enforcement by authorities. He clarified that goods vehicles with a gross vehicle weight not exceeding 7,500 kg are categorised as de-controlled.
These vehicles may be used by individuals or companies to transport their own business-related goods without needing an operator’s permit from the Land Public Transport Agency. “They can be used to transport goods belonging to the owner that are related to their business activities without the need to obtain an operator’s permit from APAD,” Loke said.
However, using a vehicle to transport third-party goods for a fee is deemed a commercial service. This activity requires the operator to obtain a Carrier Permit A from APAD under the Land Public Transport Act 2010.
Owners of private pick-up trucks may transport their own goods if items are carried safely and within the vehicle’s load limit. The load must not pose a danger to other road users.
The guidelines were issued to address confusion in current governance and regulatory practices at the enforcement level. This confusion particularly related to Section 23 of the Road Transport Act 1987.
The government will also maintain administrative flexibility for driving licences. Holders of a Class D licence can operate de-controlled vehicles with an unladen weight of up to 4,000 kg.
The original limit for the Class D licence is 3,500 kg. “This flexibility takes into account the increase in weight resulting from the installation of cargo bodies or additional structures on the vehicle,” Loke explained.
