Student tragedy spurs Malaysia to get tough on speeding lorries and buses: ‘important step'
Malaysia's roads are among some of the world's most dangerous, with one person dying every two hours according to government statistics between March 2024 and March 2025.
Lorries and buses routinely flout the speed limit of 90km/h, and high-speed collisions are common on the country's highways.
On Friday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that the government will mandate all heavy vehicles to be equipped with 'Speed Limitation Devices' in their engines, which will cap the vehicles' speed at a maximum of 90km/h.
Malaysia's Transport Minister, Anthony Locke, announced that the government will require all heavy vehicles to be equipped with speed limitation devices. Photo: Handout
Calling the move, which will be enforced from October 1, 'an important step', he said the safety feature will reduce 'the risk of road accidents involving lives and property.'
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The requirement will apply to tour buses, express buses, and all vehicles transporting more than eight passengers, as well as commercial vehicles exceeding 3,500kg. The device must be installed, verified, and recertified at government-certified inspection centres every two years, as well as each time they renew their vehicle permit, all at the owners' expense.
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