Latest news with #PanMalaysianBusOperatorsAssociation
The Star
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Operators call for bus, trucking safety reforms
PETALING JAYA: Industry operators have called for comprehensive reforms to improve safety standards in the bus and trucking industry. Highlighting a gap in the vetting process of heavy vehicle drivers, Malaysia Trucking Federation president Datuk Ng Koong Sinn said operators are unable to check if drivers have a criminal record. 'Usually, traffic offences of a potential hire can be easily checked via the police and Road Transport Department. 'However, we cannot check drivers for past drug use or criminal records. It's essential to conduct thorough background checks,' he said in an interview yesterday. Some companies that do not adhere to the industry code of practice might resort to reckless hiring practices due to a shortage of drivers, he added. 'If there are no good drivers available, it's better not to run the business. We must be accountable and practise civic consciousness,' Ng said. All drivers, he added, should go through defensive driving lessons and be capable of handling emergency situations, including brake failure, while on the road. 'Defensive driving lessons are essential but not cheap. Perhaps the government can assist. 'Imagine entrusting a half-million ringgit vehicle to an incompetent driver,' he added. Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association president Datuk Mohamad Ashfar Ali said its members practise a stringent hiring process. 'We require drivers to have a full E licence of more than five years, a Public Service Vehicle licence of at least three years, and practical bus driving experience of two years. 'The process includes background checks, interviews, test drives and health screenings. 'Only those who meet our rigorous standards are employed, and they initially work alongside senior drivers to learn the routes,' he said. Mohamad Ashfar has called for a comprehensive driver card system to track driver movements between companies and ensure that any malpractice is monitored. 'It's a proven method used with taxi drivers and could significantly improve safety standards,' he said. 'We have chartered, school, factory, institution and agencies, tour buses and more,' he said. He also called for more training given to aspiring drivers, especially those from the B40 group. 'We are short by 5,000 drivers annually, impacting the movement of goods and people, which can dampen the economy.' He noted that engagement with the Transport Ministry has seen 1,000 training spots offered for free. 'We are thankful for that, but we need more support. We hope the number of spots can be increased. This is crucial for economic stability,' he said. Mohamad Ashfar said operators need the authorities to collaborate on implementing solutions. 'With the introduction of a driver card system and increased training initiatives, the industry can expect a significant reduction in bus-related accidents,' he added.
The Star
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Doubts over speed limiter reliability for heavy vehicles
PETALING JAYA: Industry stakeholders have voiced concerns over the reliability of speed limiters currently available in the market, amid the government's drafting of a mandatory speed limiter policy for heavy vehicles. Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association president Datuk Mohamad Ashfar Ali noted that there is no reliable speed limiter currently available on the market. Safety in mind: Mohamad Ashfar (left) and Ng. 'These devices can be manipulated. Some attempts have been made, but they did not function properly,' he said. He said the complexities of implementing speed limiters stem from the fact that buses and lorries in the country operate on three different types of engines. 'There are three types of engines: Euro 2, Euro 3 and Euro 5. Euro 2 engines use mechanical fuel pumps, which can be fitted with speed limiters, but these are not accurate and can be easily manipulated. 'Euro 3 and Euro 5 engines, on the other hand, use electronic fuel pumps and operate on a computer system, allowing manufacturers to programme their in-built speed limiters electronically,' he said, adding that older buses and lorries typically run on Euro 2 engines. Mohamad Ashfar pointed out that the inefficiency of installing speed limiters on Euro 2 buses and lorries, emphasising that 'it is a waste of money because they can be manipulated'. 'These older-engine vehicles will have to rely more on drivers' awareness for speed safety.' However, he reiterated support for initiatives aimed at improving road safety for all users, not just buses. 'We support anything that enhances road safety. Speed limiters already exist in newer buses, but we need more details about the limiters the ministry is proposing to implement. 'As stakeholders, we want to contribute our input,' he said. Mohamad Ashfar also backed the idea of banning heavy vehicles from the outer lanes, as 'roads are narrow, and vehicles are getting larger'. 'Highway authorities should consider the extra space required for safe driving,' he said. Reiterating his call for the government to provide free training for aspiring drivers, particularly within the B40 income group, he said such measures could address the driver shortage. 'There is a dire shortage of drivers – not just in Peninsular Malaysia, but also in Sabah and Sarawak. Many are deterred by the high costs of obtaining an E licence, which range from RM4,000 to RM5,000,' he said. He urged the Human Resources Ministry to provide training support for budding drivers. 'It's a skill that requires long-term investment, and the government should prioritise it to ensure the economy can efficiently transport people and goods,' he said. Malaysia Trucking Federation president Datuk Ng Koong Sinn said speed limiters should be widely adopted in heavy vehicles as a vital measure to enhance road safety nationwide. He said speed limiters are calibrated by truck manufacturers to align with preferred speed limits, typically setting the maximum highway speed at 80kph. 'The manufacturer determines the setting, and during each service, they ensure it hasn't been tampered with. Once set, it cannot be easily altered,' he said. Ng noted that, despite earlier proposals for mandatory speed limiters, full implementation has yet to occur. He said over half of their members nationwide have equipped their entire fleets with speed limiters and are encouraging others to do the same. 'It's a relatively inexpensive, one-time installation that serves as a deterrent against excessive speeding,' Ng said.
