Strict enforcement, heavy fines against heavy vehicles failing to comply with safety standards - Niosh
The use of advanced monitoring technology such as Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) and telematics should also be mandatory for all heavy vehicles so that mechanical problems are detected directly.
KUALA LUMPUR - The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) recommends that regular maintenance be mandatory for all heavy vehicles with strict supervision by the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspakom) to ensure they are roadworthy.
Its vice-chairman Manivanan Gowin said that apart from that, strict and intolerant enforcement should also be emphasised by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) by imposing heavy fines and strict action against heavy vehicles that fail to comply with safety standards.
"Periodic and extensive monitoring is very important to prevent unsafe vehicles from being on the road," he said in a statement today.
He said the use of advanced monitoring technology such as Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) and telematics should also be mandatory for all heavy vehicles so that mechanical problems are detected directly.
"The use of TPMS is also able to provide an early warning of potential damage that could endanger life. It is time for us to take advantage of technological advances in ensuring higher safety on the roads," he said.
Manivanan said driver training and awareness must also be strengthened and transport operators must implement a more comprehensive continuous safety training programme, especially for lorry and bus drivers.
"This training should include in-depth knowledge of courteous driving, understanding of road laws, as well as the application of absolute safety principles. Only with high awareness and discipline, accidents can be minimised," he said.
He said strategic cooperation and integrated collaboration between government agencies, transport operators, local authorities, as well as non-governmental organisations is also necessary in formulating a long-term strategic plan for road safety.
"Niosh would like to assure you that we have a team of highly skilled experts to assist relevant authorities and agencies in identifying the causes of safety problems and finding more effective and sustainable solutions.
"This team is ready to carry out technical analysis, investigation of the cause of the accident, as well as propose accurate and appropriate improvement measures," he said.
Niosh, he said, also offers courteous driving courses and ISO Traffic Management-related training aimed at increasing driver awareness as well as assisting organisations in complying with relevant international safety standards.
"These programmes are a proactive effort to reduce accidents involving heavy vehicles. Niosh's commitment is to be a strategic partner to all parties in ensuring road safety is at the highest level," he said.
He said the recent tragedy that claimed seven lives at Kilometer 204 of the North-South Highway (PLUS) heading north, near the Ayer Keroh Rest and Treatment area, Melaka, should be used as an important starting point to carry out reforms in the approach to the safety of heavy vehicles - BERNAMA
