KUALA LUMPUR – Companies in the logistics and transportation sector must stop treating driver recruitment as a mere formality, warned Daniel Khoo, Public Relations Chief of the Malaysian International Humanitarian Organization (MHO).
A well experienced in the heavy transport business with over a decade of experience operating a trailer trucking company, Daniel issued a stern call for employers to prioritize driver vetting or risk devastating consequences.
“Possessing a license does not automatically qualify someone to drive a heavy vehicle. And hiring unlicensed drivers is simply out of the question,” he said firmly in an interview.
“Transport companies must conduct thorough background checks especially with the police to ensure that applicants have no criminal history, particularly involving theft, drugs, or violence.
“It’s not just about compliance, it’s about the safety of the public and the survival of your business.”
Daniel referred to the recent horrific crash in Teluk Intan, Perak where a sand-laden lorry plowed into a Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) truck, killing nine personnel as a wake-up call for the entire industry.
“This tragedy is no longer about individual negligence. It reflects a systemic failure. When companies hire drivers without proper screening, the risks extend far beyond the roads they endanger the entire business operation.”
He warned that an increasing number of operators are compromising on safety and due diligence due to manpower shortages a trend he described as “a ticking time bomb.”
“We understand the pressure to fill vacancies. But relaxing standards to accommodate unqualified drivers is tantamount to inviting disaster. In many serious accidents, investigations don’t stop at the driver the company itself may face legal and regulatory consequences.”
He explained that agencies such as the Road Transport Department (JPJ) or Ministry of Transport have the authority to suspend a company’s operating license for a month or more during investigations and corrective action.
“For companies with large fleets 10 lorries or more a suspension could paralyze operations and wreak havoc on cash flow.”
At his own company, Daniel emphasized that rigorous background screening is a mandatory step before hiring.
“If an applicant has any record of theft, robbery, or drug-related offenses we reject them outright. No matter how experienced they are, we won’t take that risk. One bad hire could destroy everything.”
Daniel also urged the government to develop a centralized, digital database that allows logistics companies to quickly and transparently verify outstanding summonses, suspended licenses, and criminal records.
“We can’t keep running this industry with a ‘see no evil’ mentality. We need a system that’s both industry-friendly and uncompromising when it comes to safety.
“Drivers with a track record of recklessness or crime should never be trusted with the wheel of a heavy vehicle carrying dangerous loads or risking human lives on the road.”
He concluded with a hard-hitting reminder:
“In transport, careless decisions cost lives. It is far better to face a driver shortage than to hire someone who could bring your entire business and innocent lives to ruin.” -MalayaDailyToday
