KUALA LUMPUR – The recent enforcement actions by the Road Transport Department (JPJ), involving the seizure of overloaded lorries, have sparked alarm among small and medium-scale transport operators who warn that the move is triggering a deeper industry crisis.
Daniel Khoo, Public Relations Chief of the Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) and a trailer haulage entrepreneur with over a decade of experience, said the approach risks crippling local operators already struggling under economic strain.
“We understand the importance of road safety, but seizing lorries is not a sustainable solution. It addresses the symptom, not the root cause,” said Khoo.
He warned that each seizure leads to far-reaching consequences, especially for smaller operators who often rely on just one or two vehicles.
“When a lorry is impounded, the driver immediately loses their income, while loan repayments still need to be made. For many small firms, this could be a death knell,” he added.
Low Freight Rates and Unequal Bargaining Power to Blame
Khoo pointed out that the systemic issue lies in unrealistic freight rates often dictated by larger manufacturers and mining owners.
“The core problem is not greed, but survival. Many operators are forced to carry excess loads because freight charges are far too low to cover real operating costs,” he said.
“Worse still, some cargo owners push transporters to exceed weight limits, but when JPJ takes action, it’s the drivers and operators who bear the full brunt,” Khoo stressed.
Constructive Proposals for a Sustainable Industry
Khoo is calling for urgent reform and collaboration between stakeholders. Among the proposed solutions are:
- Setting a minimum freight rate, particularly for heavy industries like mining, to ensure operators can function legally and sustainably
- Introducing a tiered enforcement system, where first-time offenders receive warnings and corrective notices rather than immediate vehicle seizures
- Establishing a formal dialogue platform between the government, transporters, cargo owners, and industry associations to develop practical and inclusive solutions
Balance Between Enforcement and Economic Survival
Khoo urged the Ministry of Transport and JPJ to review current enforcement mechanisms to avoid inadvertently crippling the logistics backbone of the economy.
“Small and medium-sized lorry operators are not criminals they are vital contributors to the supply chain. We need fairer policies, not punitive measures that could destroy livelihoods,” he said.
“Road safety is important, but it should not come at the cost of economic collapse in a sector that is already under immense pressure,” Khoo concluded. -MalayaDailyToday
