PUTRAJAYA: Transport Minister Anthony Loke has urged the Road Transport Department (RTD) to take a more proactive role in ensuring road safety and preventing accidents, following recent fatal incidents involving heavy vehicles.
"In recent months, road accidents involving heavy vehicles have increased, resulting in the loss of invaluable lives. As the agency responsible for road transport, RTD must take a more active role in ensuring the safety of road users," he said.
Loke said RTD should enforce the laws firmly without worrying about the external pressure from various parties.
"RTD must also be stricter with drivers and operators who violate regulations, as their negligence can endanger the lives of others," he said at the launch of the new Putrajaya RTD office.
Malaysia's roads are increasingly dangerous, with frequent traffic accidents highlighting the growing risks for motorists and pedestrians alike.
On Dec 23, a tragic collision on the North-South Expressway at kilometre 204 near Ayer Keroh R&R claimed seven lives and left 33 injured, involving a tour bus, a trailer, and a Toyota Estima.
Meanwhile, Malaysia grapples with a rising number of road accidents, with 1,457 fatalities in crashes involving lorries reported from January 2019 until the end of 2024.
Meanwhile, Loke said there would be pressure during the enforcement process but promised there would be no political interference.
"I know there will be pressure with this enforcement (process). I give my commitment, don't worry about political pressure," he said.
"There will be parties trying to exert pressure, but this is a matter of human lives."
Loke added that the ministry aims to take strong action this year to address the issue of overloaded vehicles, and any necessary amendments to the relevant laws will be pursued.
The minister expressed his desire for all parties involved in the ecosystem to comply with road regulations and not use 'overloading' as an excuse.
"Some say they can't make a living and that payment is unfair, which is why trucks need to carry more load.
"This has been the excuse for years. We need to be serious; the overloading issue must be resolved this year," Loke said.