Latest news with #Euro2
The Star
10-06-2025
- 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.
Daily Tribune
31-05-2025
- Daily Tribune
A Fur-Real experience
This dog landed at Bahrain International Airport with an Arab family, arriving from a destination just three hours away. The pet had all travel documents in place — permits, health checks, and approvals — and passed through airport checks without issue. But the moment the plane touched down; things took an unexpected turn. The airline decided not to release the dog. No reason was given. No one informed the family. Instead, the dog was quietly put on the next outbound flight. These details came to light when the Minor Commercial Court ordered the state-owned airline to pay BD1,275 in damages. According to court files, the airline had accepted the pet for travel, but refused to hand it over on arrival. With no explanation, the crew member blocked the release and the animal was flown back the next day. The devastated family, unable to act, had to arrange care for the dog overseas. It took nearly a month to get a new permit and bring the animal back to Bahrain. The whole ordeal cost them over Euro2,500. The case was brought before the court by the dog's owner, represented by lawyer Rabab Mahdi. She told the court the family had planned the trip well in advance — including the pet's journey — and had followed all required procedures. The airline, she said, failed to provide any justification for its decision. The children were left distressed and the family was forced to hire a pet care company abroad until the dog could be returned. Later, the airline admitted fault in an email. It offered to refund the pet's ticket and provide a discount on future flights. But that didn't come close to covering the losses — prompting legal action. A witness told the court she had contacted the airline's call centre before travel and was advised to complete the booking at the airport. Bahrain Airport confirmed there was no issue with the pet's entry. The court said the airline had accepted the dog for transport to Bahrain, then refused to release it without explanation. It did not dispute the facts or prove any fault on the claimant's part. The airline also failed to show it had taken any steps to prevent the harm or that doing so was impossible. The owner submitted payment records showing Euro2,600 spent on care, transport, and new bookings. The court ordered the airline to pay BD1,275.980 in compensation.
