Latest news with #IndustryCodeofPractice
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
RTD to audit 500 bus, lorry operators starting Monday
BUTTERWORTH: The Road Transport Department (RTD) will audit 500 public service vehicle (PSV) and goods commercial vehicle operators deemed high-risk under its special enforcement strategy, "RTD Inspection and Safety Audit" (JISA), starting Monday. RTD director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said the identified high-risk operators include 300 lorries, 100 tour buses and 100 express buses. He said operators with outstanding summonses were identified through lists compiled by the RTD and the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad). He said the main focus of the special operation is to assess companies' compliance with safety aspects, vehicle maintenance, driver management, and records under the Road Transport Act 1987 and related regulations. "The enforcement of the JISA special operation involves inspection reports and safety audits focusing on compliance with the Industry Code of Practice (ICOP) concerning safety in the transport industry. "It also allows for the checking and resolution of outstanding summonses by vehicle owners and drivers, as well as compliance with vehicle technical specifications," he told reporters after the MyLesen B2 Driving Licence handover ceremony here today. Aedy Fadly said the audit was initiated following the bus crash that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students on June 9, along with several other recent accidents involving heavy vehicles. He said RTD would take strict action against any operators found violating regulations or neglecting safety, including issuing offence notices, suspending or revoking vocational driving licences (PSV/GDL), or operator licences. "This measure is part of RTD's ongoing efforts to enhance road safety and further strengthen the integrity of the national transport system," he added.
The Sun
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Concerns mount over tampering of speed limiters in heavy vehicles
SAFETY concerns surrounding heavy vehicles have resurfaced as industry insiders warn that speed limiters, though mandated in new commercial buses and lorries, can be bypassed by trained technicians. This vulnerability has prompted calls for a more comprehensive approach to vehicle safety. According to NST, a technician from a local bus manufacturing firm stated that modern speed limiters are embedded within the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of heavy vehicles and rely on sensor inputs to regulate speed. However, the technician revealed that former service centre mechanics may still possess the software required to alter or deactivate the system and could offer such services discreetly through private workshops. Given this loophole, the technician stressed the critical role of global positioning systems (GPS). As a standard feature in newly registered vehicles under the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), GPS units are typically integrated with the speed limiter system. Unlike limiters, GPS-linked systems can accurately log and monitor a vehicle's speed and alert operators of any infractions, making tampering more detectable. Industry figures have also drawn attention to the broader technological framework within heavy vehicles. Thayalan Subramaniam, General Manager of MAN Truck and Bus Malaysia, noted that their vehicles' speed limiters are also embedded in the ECU and set in accordance with regulatory guidelines — 89km/h for lorries and 100km/h for buses. He assured that MAN uses advanced diagnostic tools with updated security patches to prevent unauthorised system modifications. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that tampering can only be detected during a formal vehicle inspection at authorised workshops. The issue gained urgency following a recent tragic bus crash in Gerik, which resulted in the deaths of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students. In response, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that a new policy mandating the use of speed limiters for heavy vehicles is currently being drafted. The policy is under review to ensure its robustness against exploitation or manipulation. Industry insiders have further emphasised the need to prioritise other safety systems, such as tyre pressure monitoring and retarder brakes, especially in older vehicle models that remain operational without these features. The technician added that many drivers lack familiarity with modern safety technologies and must be properly trained. Although Apad requires each operator to send one representative for safety training under its Industry Code of Practice, there are concerns that this knowledge may not be disseminated throughout the company workforce. Commenting on the Gerik accident, the technician observed that the vehicle involved was an outdated mid-range sightseeing bus not designed for regular long-distance travel. It likely lacked essential modern safety mechanisms. He pointed to stricter standards in high-risk areas such as Genting Highlands, where buses without retarder brakes are no longer allowed to operate due to the dangers of downhill travel. Thayalan echoed these safety concerns, recommending that all new heavy vehicles be equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), an electronic stability programme (ESP), and a retarder braking system. He highlighted that ESP, in particular, plays a crucial role in preventing vehicle rollovers. He further advocated for mandatory rollover testing for vehicle bodies during the approval process to ensure compliance with United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) safety standards. At MAN, advanced driver assistance systems are now a standard feature across its commercial vehicles, providing enhanced safety at a relatively low cost when installed in new models. However, Thayalan cautioned that retrofitting such systems in older buses remains a complex and often unreliable process due to challenges associated with aftermarket components, including installation and calibration issues. The growing focus on technological integrity and operator accountability underscores the urgent need for holistic reforms in the heavy vehicle sector to enhance road safety and prevent further tragedies.
New Straits Times
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Heavy vehicle speed limiters vulnerable to tampering, say industry insiders
KUALA LUMPUR: Transport and automotive industry insiders say speed limiters, a standard requirement in new heavy vehicles, can be tampered with by trained technicians. As such, a broader focus on safety features is needed to put the brakes on crashes involving heavy vehicles. A technician working at a bus manufacturing company said speed limiters on modern vehicles are pre-programmed in the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), which is linked to sensors that detect the speed of the vehicle. Sufian (not his real name) said that former service centre mechanics might retain the software needed to modify or deactivate the limiter and offer its use in private workshops. As such, he said, global position systems (GPS) play a vital role. GPS are usually integrated with speed limiter functions and is mandatory in new vehicles registering with the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad). "While you can tamper with speed limiters and you wouldn't be able to know a vehicle's speed, it is not so with a built-in GPS system," he said. Sufian said GPS and its speed limiter is linked to a monitoring system, which alerts the bus operator of violations and records them. MAN Truck and Bus Malaysia general manager Thayalan Subramaniam said the speed limiter for their vehicles, which is also pre-programmed inside the ECU, sets the default speed limit at 89kph for trucks and 100kph for buses, per regulations set by the authorities. He said MAN uses up-to-date diagnostic tools with security patches to protect against unauthorised changes. However, Thayalan said, system tampering can be detected only when the vehicle is inspected at its workshop. On Tuesday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the government was drafting a policy that includes the mandatory use of speed limiters for heavy vehicles, as part of efforts to enhance road safety. He said the policy was being reviewed to ensure there were no loopholes or opportunities for manipulation once implemented. His statement came in the wake of the bus accident that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students. Insiders said tyre pressure warning systems and retarder brakes should be prioritised for heavy vehicles, particularly as many older models without them are in use. Sufian said drivers should be more aware of these systems, many of which are standard features in newer vehicle models, and trained for them. He said while Apad requires one representative per operator to undergo its Industry Code of Practice safety training for heavy vehicles, there is uncertainty if that person then communicates the training to others at their company. Sufian said the bus in the Gerik crash, an old mid-range sightseeing bus, was not suited to daily long-range use and may lack advanced safety features. "In Genting Highlands, they no longer allow buses without a retarder brake to operate there because it would be extremely dangerous while going downhill," he added. Thayalan said newer vehicles should be equipped with at least an anti-lock braking system, electronic stability programme (ESP) and retarder braking for safe and efficient control. "ESP is crucial to prevent rollovers," he said. He added that vehicle body manufacturers should be required to carry out rollover tests during the approval process to ensure compliance with United Nations Economic Commission for Europe safety standards. "At MAN, we have introduced advanced driver assistance systems in our trucks and buses as standard. "These features will keep you very, very safe, and they are not expensive to install in a new vehicle." However, he added, retrofitting such systems on older buses could be problematic due to the nature of aftermarket products, their installation and calibration.
New Straits Times
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Speed limiters in heavy vehicles can be tampered with, says industry insiders
Transport and automotive industry insiders say speed limiters, a standard requirement in new heavy vehicles, can be tampered with by trained technicians. As such, a broader focus on safety features is needed to put the brakes on crashes involving heavy vehicles. A technician working at a bus manufacturing company said speed limiters on modern vehicles are pre-programmed in the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), which is linked to sensors that detect the speed of the vehicle. Sufian (not his real name) said that former service centre mechanics might retain the software needed to modify or deactivate the limiter and offer its use in private workshops. As such, he said, global position systems (GPS) play a vital role. GPS are usually integrated with speed limiter functions and is mandatory in new vehicles registering with the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad). "While you can tamper with speed limiters and you wouldn't be able to know a vehicle's speed, it is not so with a built-in GPS system," he said. Sufian said GPS and its speed limiter is linked to a monitoring system, which alerts the bus operator of violations and records them. MAN Truck and Bus Malaysia general manager Thayalan Subramaniam said the speed limiter for their vehicles, which is also pre-programmed inside the ECU, sets the default speed limit at 89kph for trucks and 100kph for buses, per regulations set by the authorities. He said MAN uses up-to-date diagnostic tools with security patches to protect against unauthorised changes. However, Thayalan said, system tampering can be detected only when the vehicle is inspected at its workshop. On Tuesday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the government was drafting a policy that includes the mandatory use of speed limiters for heavy vehicles, as part of efforts to enhance road safety. He said the policy was being reviewed to ensure there were no loopholes or opportunities for manipulation once implemented. His statement came in the wake of the bus accident that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students. Insiders said tyre pressure warning systems and retarder brakes should be prioritised for heavy vehicles, particularly as many older models without them are in use. Sufian said drivers should be more aware of these systems, many of which are standard features in newer vehicle models, and trained for them. He said while Apad requires one representative per operator to undergo its Industry Code of Practice safety training for heavy vehicles, there is uncertainty if that person then communicates the training to others at their company. Sufian said the bus in the Gerik crash, an old mid-range sightseeing bus, was not suited to daily long-range use and may lack advanced safety features. "In Genting Highlands, they no longer allow buses without a retarder brake to operate there because it would be extremely dangerous while going downhill," he added. Thayalan said newer vehicles should be equipped with at least an anti-lock braking system, electronic stability programme (ESP) and retarder braking for safe and efficient control. "ESP is crucial to prevent rollovers," he said. He added that vehicle body manufacturers should be required to carry out rollover tests during the approval process to ensure compliance with United Nations Economic Commission for Europe safety standards. "At MAN, we have introduced advanced driver assistance systems in our trucks and buses as standard. "These features will keep you very, very safe, and they are not expensive to install in a new vehicle." However, he added, retrofitting such systems on older buses could be problematic due to the nature of aftermarket products, their installation and calibration.
The Star
11-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Law to hold companies to task needed, says Azalina
PETALING JAYA: There should be more decisive action against those responsible for road accidents that result in loss of life, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (pic). The Law and Institutional Reform Minister said there is a need to reassess the effectiveness of law enforcement. 'Perhaps it is time to evaluate our laws and consider introducing changes to the Penal Code or enacting a new law, akin to the United Kingdom's approach,' she said in a Facebook post yesterday. She was referring to the UK's Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act, which prosecutes companies for safety management failures leading to death. 'This legislation allows for companies to be held accountable for negligence that results in fatalities,' she said. Azalina said the Act was a response to workplace fatalities where corporate entities previously evaded criminal liability. 'This is especially relevant for companies providing transportation services, as it involves human lives,' she added. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry has a standard operating procedure, including on safety checks, concerning the use of buses by student groups. She said the ministry has directed the Kedah Education Department to look into the welfare of a couple, both teachers, who were involved in the accident with the bus in Gerik, Perak. The couple is receiving treatment at Hospital Baling, Kedah. Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the road where the accident happened is in good condition and was last maintained on Friday. He dispelled talk about the existence of potholes on that stretch had caused the bus tyre to burst thus leading to the tragedy. 'I would like to state that there was no punctured tyre and there were no potholes on that section,' he told reporters in Tuaran, Sabah, Bernama reported. Ahmad said a check at the location showed that there is a road sign warning of a bend ahead in the area. 'However, whatever happens, we will leave it to the special task force to investigate the accident. We do not want to make accusations, especially about technical issues,' he said. Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, chairman of the Alliance for a Safe Community, called for an overhaul of safety measures for commercial vehicles. 'It's time to elevate our commitment to road safety and ensure that every journey is as safe as it can be,' he said, highlighting the need for strict compliance with the Industry Code of Practice of the Land Public Transport Agency. He cited the mandatory elements that bus and truck operators must adhere to, which include appointing a safety officer, utilising GPS for monitoring speed and driver behaviour, and establishing robust emergency response plans. Lee also noted the importance of enhancing driver management, vehicle upkeep and journey planning to create a safer transportation environment. 'We must prioritise rigorous training, regular vehicle checks and vigilant route management,' he added.
