PUCHONG: The Malaysia Tipper Lorry Operator’s Association is urging the government to update laws concerning cargo weight limits. According to Datuk Michael Loo Leep Chye, the chairman of the association, the current weight limits of 24 tonnes and 30 tonnes for 10 and 12 tyre tipper trucks respectively are outdated. He argues that these trucks can safely carry more weight, up to 30 tonnes for 10 tyre trucks and 45 tonnes for 12 tyre trucks.
Under the current laws, a 10 tyre truck can only legally carry around nine tonnes of cargo, which means their buckets are not even half full. Loo explains that these trucks weigh approximately 11 and 13 tonnes without any load. The association believes that if the laws were enforced as they currently stand, operating costs would increase as each tipper lorry would only be able to carry between nine and 15 tonnes, leading to a rise in fares for consumers.
The association has attempted to engage with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the Works Ministry to find a solution. However, their efforts have not been successful. Loo emphasizes that they are not seeking preferential treatment, but rather fair treatment. The association proposed an increase in the weight limit based on the capabilities of the lorries and argued that the Malaysian roads can handle heavier loads.
The JPJ dismissed their proposal, claiming that the roads could not withstand loads beyond the permitted weight limit. Additionally, they stated that they do not have sufficient budget to repair roads damaged by overloaded tipper lorries. Loo questions how the lorry operators are expected to make a living when they are not allowed to carry loads according to the specifications that their lorries are designed for.
Loo calls for urgent dialogue with the Transport Ministry and Works Ministry to find a win-win solution. He urges the relevant Ministries to listen to their grievances and address the issue promptly.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
