Loke Stands Firm On Lorry Load Limits Despite Pressure From Industry, MPs

Transport Minister Anthony Loke has drawn a firm line on overloaded lorries, telling Parliament that the government will not back away from strict enforcement despite mounting pressure from industry players and even lawmakers.

Addressing the Dewan Rakyat during his winding-up speech, Loke said some MPs were defending operators who routinely exceed legal load limits, a practice he stressed has put lives at risk for decades.

“This is not a political issue, but this is a safety issue that involves human lives. This is not about dollars and cents,” he said.

Loke pushed back against requests for a gradual “soft-landing” for operators, calling it unrealistic and dangerous. 

“Some MPs are asking for a ‘soft-landing’ and a transition period. Let me ask the MPs who say that. When it comes to accidents, is there such a thing as a soft-landing? Is there a transition?

“If we give a transition period now, if we offer a soft landing now, which MP can guarantee that during that period, no accidents will happen? Please stand up if you can,” he stressed. 

He said the ministry’s stance was necessary because past attempts to manage the issue had collapsed whenever ministers caved in to pressure. 

"This is a legacy issue that no transport minister has dared to take on for decades. If I go soft, nothing gets solved,” Loke added.

Loke also acknowledged that industry groups are planning protests but made it clear these would not affect enforcement. 

“Yes, there are threats. A protest is planned in front of Parliament on Wednesday, but if we bow to such threats, we might as well not govern.”

Earlier, MPs Lee Chean Chung and V Ganabatirau expressed concerns about potential cost increases for construction and logistics, urging the government to cushion the transition. 

Loke countered that these are not new rules as operators have simply ignored long-standing limits. 

“I am simply enforcing the existing regulations and laws that have been violated by operators for decades,” he stated, stressing that the ministry is not targeting drivers.

The minister instead pointed to big companies that underpay small operators, forcing them to overload to survive. Adjusting rates and ensuring fairer pay, he said, must accompany tougher enforcement.

In the long run, Loke said, road safety, reduced damage and lower corruption will be worth the short-term discomfort. 

“If everyone cooperates and stops overloading, there’s no need for bribery,” he concluded.

Source: MalaysiaKini.