Transport Minister Anthony Loke says no compromise with industry groups violating overload regulations, prioritising road safety over cost concerns.
KUALA LUMPUR: The government will not negotiate with industry groups failing to comply with overloaded vehicle regulations, Transport Minister Anthony Loke told Parliament today.
He said enforcement would continue despite industry pushback, with road safety remaining the top priority.
“When strict enforcement action is taken, there will certainly be pushback from the industry,” Loke said during the question-and-answer session.
“They actually want us to negotiate with them, which I see as challenging the government’s authority.”
He added that offenders had requested negotiations after committing offences, but he firmly rejected such approaches.
Loke said the overloading practice had persisted for years with many industry players ignoring the law.
He questioned whether cost should outweigh human lives, stating firmly that safety must not be compromised for profits.
The minister was responding to complaints from construction associations about JPJ’s strict enforcement allegedly increasing material costs and transport trips.
Regarding the Driver Data System development, Loke said current focus was on technical specifications, funding allocation and tender processes.
He said system implementation would involve integration with JPJ, police and the National Anti-Drugs Agency once development begins. – Bernama
