Loke must not compromise on public safety
The 48-hour ultimatum issued to transport minister Loke Siew Fook, as reported in The Vibes on Nov 19, is shocking, unacceptable, and must be firmly rejected.
Public safety is not up for negotiation.
Lorry operators and drivers’ associations should not pressure the government into relaxing enforcement, reducing fines, or diluting existing laws designed to protect Malaysians.
The proposals contained in the memorandum, especially the call to reduce penalties for overloaded and non-compliant vehicles, are indefensible.
The members of the lorry owners and operators’ association are not new; they are seasoned players in the transport industry.
They are fully aware of vehicle design, axle-load limits, permissible tonnage, maintenance standards, and safety regulations, as well as the consequences of violating the Road Transport Act 1987.
That Act exists for one purpose: to ensure safer roads for all.
Over the years, it has been strengthened, including through amendments made in 2020…
