Latest news with #GoodsDrivingLicence


The Star
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
MATTA to launch training programs for tour vehicle operators
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) is in the final stages of developing Safety and Defensive Driving Courses for drivers of tourism vehicles. According to its president, Nigel Wong, the training programmes would equip drivers with skills to operate vehicles safely and professionally. It would also educate operators on best practices in vehicle maintenance, road safety and productivity. 'MATTA is also exploring the development of other relevant programmes. Emergency response and crisis management modules would help drivers respond appropriately during unforeseen events such as accidents, vehicle breakdowns, or natural disasters, while familiarisation training on tourism routes would enable drivers to navigate key destinations efficiently and enhance the overall tour experience,' Wong said in a statement on Tuesday (July 22). MATTA also welcomed the Transport Ministry's recent clarification on the suspension of Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licences. Following a request by the association, the Ministry confirmed on July 13 that suspensions would apply strictly to drivers involved in serious or repeated offences, not those with minor or compoundable violations. 'This clear distinction ensures that enforcement is proportionate and fair,' said Wong. The Ministry also stated that drivers found guilty of road offences would undergo a mandatory rehabilitation course (Kursus Pemulihan Wajib), implemented via the Road Transport Department (JPJ), for holders of both PSV and Goods Driving Licence (GDL).


The Star
17-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
JPJ plans rehab course for suspended PSV, GDL licence holders
BANGI: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) will launch a pilot rehabilitation course in November for holders of Public Service Vehicle (PSV) and Goods Driving Licence (GDL) who have had their licences suspended. JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said the initiative aims to allow affected drivers to undergo a rehabilitation programme before their licence eligibility is reconsidered. "Attendance is mandatory before their licences can be reinstated. We are still finalising several aspects with the Transport Ministry. "The pilot programme is expected to begin this November," he said at a media conference after an engagement session with lorry operators and express and tour bus associations on road safety initiatives held earlier Thursday (July 17). He said the main objective of the course was to enhance road safety and raise the level of professionalism among public service and goods vehicle drivers. "Currently, once drivers obtain their PSV or GDL licences, they can immediately begin driving without any further training. "We believe follow-up training and this rehabilitation course are crucial to refresh drivers' knowledge of road rules, as some may have forgotten them," he said. He added that for now, the rehabilitation course will apply only to PSV and GDL licence holders, before being extended to holders of the Malaysian Driving Licence (LMM). "We are also looking into introducing a refresher driving course specifically for heavy vehicle drivers," he said. – Bernama

Barnama
17-07-2025
- Automotive
- Barnama
RTD Plans Rehab Course For Suspended PSV, GDL Licences Holders
BANGI, July 17 (Bernama) -- The Road Transport Department (RTD) will launch a pilot rehabilitation course this November for holders of Public Service Vehicle (PSV) and Goods Driving Licence (GDL) whose licences have been suspended. RTD director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said the initiative aims to allow affected drivers to undergo a rehabilitation programme before their licence eligibility is reconsidered. "Attendance is mandatory before their licences can be reinstated. We are still finalising several aspects with the Transport Ministry. 'The pilot programme is expected to begin this November," he said at a media conference after an engagement session with lorry operators and express and tour bus associations on road safety initiatives held earlier today. He said the main objective of the course is to enhance road safety and raise the level of professionalism among public service and goods vehicle drivers. 'Currently, once drivers obtain their PSV or GDL licences, they can immediately begin driving without any further training. 'We believe follow-up training and this rehabilitation course are crucial to refresh drivers' knowledge of road rules, as some may have forgotten them,' he said. He added that for now, the rehabilitation course will apply only to PSV and GDL licence holders, before being extended to holders of the Malaysian Driving Licence (LMM). 'We are also looking into introducing a refresher driving course specifically for heavy vehicle drivers,' he said.


The Star
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Strict GDL rules could hinder driver recruitment, says Johor Trucking Association
KULAI: Excessive rules and regulations imposed on Goods Driving Licence (GDL) holders may make it more difficult for logistic companies to recruit drivers, warns the Johor Trucking Association. Its president, Chai Pei Yoon, acknowledged the need for enhanced road safety following recent high-profile incidents involving heavy vehicles, particularly lorries, but argued that blaming lorry drivers entirely was unjust. "As employers, we have instructed our drivers to always follow road rules and not to speed. However, many accidents happen due to human error, and to put the blame solely on lorries is unfair. "In fact, the new rule by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to suspend the licence of a lorry driver involved in crashes before investigations are completed is unjustified," she added. Chai spoke to the media after attending the association's safety talk programme held at a cafe in Indahpura on Friday (July 11). She added that this new regulation could make it difficult for logistic companies to hire new drivers, and current drivers might seek other employment. "We urge the Transport Ministry to hold discussions or dialogues with stakeholders, including us, to find an amicable solution. The Johor Trucking Association hopes to discuss a win-win situation with the ministry to improve our industry further. Among the measures we are considering is a better training programme for drivers," she said. Meanwhile, the association secretary, C.K Tan, stated that suspending the licences of lorry drivers before any court ruling was unjust. "Court cases take a long time before any judgment is given, and suspending a driver's licence affects their livelihood since these drivers are paid based on trips. "Many drivers are now seeking other jobs because the rules have become too strict. If this continues, it will affect the supply chain as goods cannot be delivered due to a lack of drivers," he added. Tan also mentioned that the demand for lorry drivers in Johor is high due to numerous investments and sectors opening up, particularly within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). Last Sunday, Bernama reported that JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli announced the suspension of commercial vehicle drivers' licences involved in crashes until investigations are completed. Should the holder of a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence or GDL be found guilty after a police investigation, their licences will be terminated. "To ensure commercial vehicle drivers are competent, the department will ensure that suspended individuals must undergo and pass a refresher course before their licences are reactivated or removed from the suspension list. "The refresher course will be organised by the department at locations to be determined later, and drivers will be charged fees to cover the cost of the course," he said.


BusinessToday
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- BusinessToday
Commercial Drivers Face License Suspension Pending Crash Probe
Commercial vehicle drivers, including those operating buses, trucks, lorries, and vans, who are involved in accidents will now face immediate suspension of their Public Service Vehicle (PSV) or Goods Driving Licence (GDL) pending the completion of accident investigations. This stringent new measure was announced today by the Road Transport Department (RTD) in a concerted effort to curb the alarming rise in commercial vehicle-related accidents on Malaysian highways. The directive means that any driver holding a PSV license (required for passenger vehicles like buses) or a GDL license (mandatory for goods vehicles such as trucks, lorries, and vans) will have their credentials temporarily revoked as soon as their involvement in an accident is confirmed. The suspension will remain in effect throughout the entire duration of the official investigation into the incident, ensuring a period of enforced non-operation for the drivers in question. This move underscores the RTD's escalating concern over the increasing frequency and severity of crashes involving heavy and commercial vehicles, which often lead to significant casualties and traffic disruptions. By immediately suspending licenses, the department aims to enforce stricter accountability among commercial drivers and their employers. While the move could cause inconvenience to commercial vehicle operators but the implementation is necessary given high number of road accidents that often lead to fatality. Related