Sudden enforcement of lorry load limits risks supply chain chaos, says ACCCIM, urges review of bridge limits first

 

Sudden enforcement of lorry load limits risks supply chain chaos, says ACCCIM, urges review of bridge limits first



Senior JPJ Director of Enforcement Muhammad Kifli Ma Hasan (third left) shows an overloaded lorry at the Semenyih JPJ Enforcement Station on April 28, 2025. — Bernama file pic

Wednesday, 12 Nov 2025 1:52 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 — The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) has cautioned that sudden, blanket enforcement of lorry load limits could disrupt logistics operations and the national supply chain even as it voiced support for the government’s commitment to improving road safety.

The chamber said while compliance with load limits was a legal duty and social responsibility, current restrictions were based mainly on bridge capacities rather than vehicle specifications, causing inefficiencies across the transport sector.

ACCCIM said it was “concerned that the current load limits are largely determined by the carrying capacity of certain bridges – mainly on Grade A and B roads – rather than the manufacturer’s load specifications”.

“This has resulted in significant under-utilisation of carrying capacity, leading to higher operational costs and inefficiencies across the logistics sector,” it said in a press statement yesterday.


The business group urged the government to “undertake a comprehensive review and upgrading of existing bridge and road infrastructure to ensure alignment with modern vehicle load standards.”

In the meantime, ACCCIM said clear signs should be installed to indicate bridges or roads with lower permissible load limits, along with a transparent timeline for upgrades.

It also called for state and local authorities to be empowered to enforce compliance and oversee road and bridge improvements.


ACCCIM stressed that enforcement should be introduced gradually and with industry consultation, warning that premature action could cause delivery bottlenecks, rising transport costs and project delays.

“By fostering greater awareness and collaboration between government and industry, Malaysia can achieve a balanced approach – one that ensures road safety while maintaining the smooth functioning of its economic supply chains,” its president Datuk Ng Yih Pyng said in the same statement.

He added that the chamber would continue educating its members on compliance and the long-term benefits of safer road practices.