Lorry accidents are up by 28% this year as JPJ tightens SOPs

Between January and June this year, the number of accidents involving lorries has increased by almost 30% throughout Malaysia.

According to JPJ Director General, Datuk Zailani Hashim, this increase of 28% involved 19,888 cases of lorry accidents during the first six months of the year. Compared to same period last year, the department recorded 15,487 lorry accidents.

Investigation by the department found that most of these accidents were caused by the technical issues and damages to the vehicle, most notable of which being brake system failure.

As reported by or BM colleagues, JPJ has begun tightening their standard operating procedures (SOP) for vehicle inspections in collaboration with PUSPAKOM as a measure to reduce the risk of accidents involving commercial vehicles - lorries included. 

Zailani also clarified that each commercial vehicle must undergo a preliminary inspection and periodic inspections at PUSPAKOM in accordance with the current regulations (section 66B of the Road Transport Act 1987)to ensure the vehicle's road-worthiness. 

"This department will not compromise on any wrongdoing, especially regarding failure to carry out daily maintenance activities as outlined in the Occupational Safety and Health Industry Code of Practice for Road Transport Activities 2010 (ICOP)," continued Zailani further.

The director further noted that those who fail to comply with these regulation will be have to face with their vehicles being impounded (confiscated) under Section 64 of the Road Transport Act 1987 and the Land Public Transport Act 2010.