KUALA LUMPUR: Tyre safety is the responsibility of vehicle owners and users, as regular inspections and maintenance are crucial for ensuring optimal performance and safety, said the Tyre Retreading Manufacturers Association of Malaysia.
Its president, Wong Jin How, said retreaded tyres, when manufactured according to strict standards, are just as safe as new tyres.
"We express concern over the discovery of unsafe retreaded tyres during an inspection by the Road Transport Department at the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspakom). To us, safety remains the top priority and such incidents undermine trust in the retreading industry," he said when contacted today.
Wong said the statement that a significant number of lorries with unsafe retreaded tyres waiting in line for inspection suggested that the retreading sector may be to blame.
"As an association, we are saddened that the message was conveyed in a way that places all the blame on retreaded tyres, without considering the broader context. Tyres are wear-and-tear components that require regular maintenance to ensure safety. Unsafe tyres, whether new or retreaded, often result from poor or nonexistent maintenance.
"It is crucial to understand that the responsibility for tyre safety lies with vehicle owners and users, as regular checks and upkeep are essential for maintaining performance and safety. Retread manufacturers should not bear undue blame for issues arising from neglect or misuse," he said.
Yesterday, a surprise inspection by RTD at the Wangsa Maju Puspakom centre uncovered that an unsafe vehicle had passed its inspection, sparking immediate action.
During the inspection, RTD officers discovered a significant number of lorries with unsafe retreaded tyres waiting in line for inspection.
Wong said in Malaysia, the Department of Standards Malaysia oversees the standards for retreaded tyres. The relevant standard is MS 224:2019, titled "Retreaded pneumatic tyres for motor vehicles, commercial vehicles and their trailers - Specification (Third revision)."
This standard outlines the requirements for materials, processing, performance, and marking of retreaded pneumatic tyres to ensure safety and quality. It was developed by the Industry Standards Committee on Transport, which includes key stakeholders such as the RTD, Malaysian Institute of Road Safety, Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute, Puspakom, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, and other related industries and government agencies.
"The standard has been gazetted, making compliance mandatory for manufacturers and retreaders in Malaysia."
He said the MS 224:2019 standard is regularly reviewed by the technical committee to ensure it stays relevant and effective in addressing current safety and quality issues.
"This committee comprises key stakeholders, including government agencies, industry experts, and enforcement bodies, ensuring a comprehensive approach to tyre safety."
Wong added that the tyre retreading industry in Malaysia also follows internationally recognised standards, such as the ECE R108/R109 regulations, a European Union standard that covers all aspects of tyre retreading, including material selection, production processes, and final inspection.
Several Malaysian retreaders have earned certification for these standards, enabling them to export high-quality retreaded tyres abroad and further demonstrating the industry's ability to meet strict international safety and quality requirements.
"While these regulations provide a robust framework, enforcement and adherence remain critical to ensuring road safety and protecting the reputation of the retreading industry. Substandard practices by non-compliant manufacturers or improper maintenance by users can compromise tyre safety.
Therefore, both manufacturers and users must work together to ensure tyres, whether new or retreaded, are properly maintained and used in line with legal and safety requirements."
Wong said that one significant issue is the public misconception that tyre debris on the road is mainly caused by retreaded tyres.
"This is inaccurate. During the retreading process, tyres are not buffed down to the steel cord level, as doing so would compromise their structural integrity. The tyre debris commonly seen on roads, which exposes steel cords, is usually the result of tyre failure caused by neglect or improper maintenance. A tyre, whether new or retreaded, can fail prematurely if it is not adequately maintained.
"This highlights the need for greater public awareness campaigns to educate vehicle owners about proper tyre maintenance, including regular inspections, correct inflation pressures, and timely replacements. Such efforts are crucial to dispelling myths about retreaded tyres and ensuring road safety for all," he said.