‘Usual excuses’: Transport minister slams heavy vehicle operators as only 2.7pc comply with speed limiter verification
Transport Minister Anthony Loke speaks during a press conference in Putrajaya September 24. — Picture by Raymond Manuel
Wednesday, 24 Sep 2025 2:38 PM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 — Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook today voiced disappointment over the low compliance rate among heavy vehicle operators in verifying Speed Limitation Devices (SLD), warning that strict enforcement will begin on October 1.
He said that after three months, fewer than 3,000 vehicles had been verified, with most operators continuing to delay.
“We have received many letters from associations claiming there are not enough inspection centres, not enough time and so on. These are the usual excuses. Even after three months, not even 3,000 vehicles have gone for verification. This shows that many are just waiting and seeing, thinking enforcement won’t happen,” he told a press conference here.
Loke said that as of yesterday, JPJ data showed only 2,915 vehicles, or 2.68 per cent, had verified their SLD installation out of 108,805 vehicles identified under Phase One.
The remaining 105,890 vehicles, or 97.32 per cent, have yet to comply:
- Express buses: 2,528 total — 62 verified, 2,466 pending
- Tour buses: 6,241 total — 33 verified, 6,208 pending
- Goods vehicles (BDM ≥ 3,500kg): 100,036 total — 2,820 verified, 97,216 pending
Loke stressed that the recent Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) bus crash had underscored the urgency for stronger safety measures, including the compulsory use of speed limiters.
“I am very disappointed with the attitude of operators who seem not to take this seriously. If we block vehicles at Puspakom, the industry will complain that none of their vehicles can pass inspection or go on the road, affecting the supply chain. So our approach is not to block them at Puspakom, but enforcement will still take place on the roads,” he said.
“If a vehicle is stopped and found without an SLD or verification, then a notice will be issued. This will be the first phase,” he added.
Loke said operators who fail to comply will face action under the Road Transport Act, including being served with Notis 114 (Notice to Attend Interview).
“There will be no compromise once enforcement begins. This is not about punishment, but about ensuring road safety,” he said.
How SLDs work
Loke previously explained that the SLD is integrated with the vehicle’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU), which manages engine performance by communicating with the throttle and fuel injection systems.
The device constantly monitors the vehicle’s speed using data from sensors. Once the vehicle reaches the set speed limit of 90 km/h, the SLD automatically cuts throttle response, adjusts the fuel supply and, in some systems, modifies ignition timing.
The SLD does not apply brakes but prevents the engine from accelerating further once the limit is reached.
Loke also said that certified devices are tamper-proof.
There is a huge network of rogue heavy vehicle operators who either totally ignore regulatory requirements or treat them as optional.
ReplyDeleteThe systemic corruption at Puspakom running over decades has enabled this criminal behaviour to persist and thrive, as they all continue to receive renewals to their licences every 6 months, regardless.