System to detect overloaded vehicles in final stages, says minister

 

Transport minister Loke Siew Fook said his ministry would promote the use of trains to transport cargo, especially from the Klang Valley to the east coast. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: 

The transport and works ministries are in the final stages of developing a high-speed weigh-in-motion system to address the issue of road accidents caused by overloaded vehicles.

Transport minister Loke Siew Fook said the installation of the system, particularly at hotspots for accidents involving overloaded vehicles, will ensure a more integrated and modern enforcement.

“We know many accidents occur on the Karak Highway, and we have continuously conducted integrated operations for heavy commercial vehicles.

“One of the recurring issues is overloading, with lorries carrying excessive loads,” he said, responding to Young Syefura Othman’s (PH-Bentong) question during the policy stage debate on the 2025 Supply Bill in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Young Syefura asked about the ministry’s role in reducing the frequency of accidents on the Karak Highway.

Loke said to alleviate traffic congestion on the roads in the long term, his ministry would promote the use of railways for transporting cargo, particularly from the Klang Valley to the east coast.

“Once the East Coast Rail Link project is completed, we will certainly devise a policy to reduce reliance on heavy trucks. This will reduce the use of trucks on the roads,” he said.

Meanwhile, in response to Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (PN-Alor Setar) on his ministry’s plans to connect railway stations with other public transport in rural areas, and the high demand to upgrade Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd stations, Loke said the Railway Assets Corporation was prioritising station upgrades.

“I agree on the aspect of integration. However, we need cooperation from state governments and local authorities, as only the station falls under the ministry’s jurisdiction, while areas outside do not.

“For example, to build a walkway connecting a KTM station with a bus stop outside would come under the local authorities. So, the local authority needs to proactively approach and liaise with the housing and local government ministry to explore possible upgrades.

“We are actively upgrading public transport integration at stations in the Klang Valley, and I agree that this is also needed across the country in cities like Alor Setar,” he said. - FMT