Lorry associations divided over FRU crash findings
KUALA LUMPUR: Lorry associations are split over the preliminary report released by the Transport Ministry on the crash that claimed the lives of several Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) personnel in Teluk Intan, Perak.
Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Lorry Operators Association (SKLLOA) secretary-general Alvin Choong acknowledged that overloading is a known issue within the industry, but said it was unfair to place full blame on the operator.
"We are placing all the blame on this particular lorry, but it went through the proper inspection at Puspakom. It had been certified as roadworthy. It's not fair to blame them 100 per cent," he told the New Straits Times.
Johor Truck Operators Association (JTA) president Chai Pei Yoon, however, admitted the issues cited in the report were not uncommon.
"These are not always the result of bad intentions, but often stem from operational pressures and a lack of clear support or guidance," she said.
Chai said the importance of better education for operators, clearer regulations, and practical support to help companies comply with requirements. She added that the association was ready to work with the authorities to raise industry standards.
Earlier today, the Transport Ministry's preliminary report revealed that the lorry involved in the crash had a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 40,960kg - 70.67 per cent above the permitted limit of 24,000kg.
The vehicle also failed to meet requirements on the installation and functionality of its Global Positioning System (GPS), and was found to be operating outside of its technical specifications by transporting gravel instead of coal.
On May 13, an FRU lorry carrying 18 personnel from Unit 5 Sungai Senam was involved in a collision with the gravel-laden lorry along Jalan Chikus-Sungai Lampam, at about 8.50am.
Eight policemen were killed at the scene, while another died while receiving treatment at Teluk Intan Hospital. The remaining nine were injured.
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