Crackdown Urged On Dummy GPS Use In Commercial Vehicles

Commercial vehicle operators who fail to install GPS devices or use fake ones to mislead authorities should have their permits revoked, says Road Safety Council member Datuk Suret Singh.

He stressed that regular audits verify functioning GPS systems, safety officer presence, proper vehicle tracking, driver fitness, and pre-trip safety inspections, making road safety more than just a formality.

“Despite all these stringent checks, if some companies still choose to install dummy GPS devices, they’re clearly showing a disregard for the safety of other road users,” Suret told The Star.

Meanwhile, road safety expert Prof Law Teik Hua warns that the use of dummy GPS systems by heavy vehicle operators points to deeper issues; cost-cutting, unsafe practices, and weak enforcement.

Law noted that some companies tamper with GPS to hide violations such as overworked drivers, dangerous shortcuts, or even illegal cargo activities. So-called “ghost GPS” decoys, he explained, render real-time tracking useless, especially during emergencies like breakdowns or crashes.

“Ghost GPS defeats all the benefits of tracking, exposing the public to unnecessary risks. With better enforcement, transparency, and modern technology, the industry can move toward safer, more responsible fleet management,” he said, calling for stricter penalties, random inspections, and incentives for tamper-proof systems.

Traffic consultant Dr Rosli Azad Khan described the use of fake GPS trackers as deeply troubling, saying it reflects a culture of impunity and neglect for safety regulations.

He urged the government to pursue criminal charges, not just transport violations, against offenders.

Rosli also called for live GPS data streaming to a central monitoring system under JPJ or APAD, and for repeat offenders to be blacklisted from holding public service vehicle permits.

“The government must fast-track the implementation of dashboard cameras in heavy vehicles. This regulation should not be delayed beyond the first quarter of next year,” he added.

Source: The Star.