Ensure road safety by changing vehicles every five years

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THE Government should encourage transport operators to change their lorries once every five years to ensure the safety of their drivers and other road users.

North Malaya Truck Show 2011 organising chairman Er Sui See said most lorries in the country were way past their roadworthiness and posed a danger to motorists.

“Most lorries in Malaysia have been on the road for 40 years.

“In comparison, lorry and truck companies in Europe change their vehicles once every five years.

Huge exhibits: Trucks from various manufacturers on display.

“That is one reason why there are fewer accidents there,” he said during the opening of the exhibition by Perak Lorry Owners Association adviser Datuk Yik Phooi Hong in Ipoh last Friday.

Er suggested that the Government charge lower rates for road tax renewals or waive the import duty of heavy vehicles to encourage operators to change their vehicles more often.

“Other countries in this region are able to progress at a faster rate because of their low taxes and also because their spare parts are duty free.

“When the profit margin is less, transport operators tend to overload their vehicles, which creates a higher risk for the drivers and other road users,” he pointed out.

All for one!: Yik (second from right) launching the North Malaya Truck Show 2011. With him are (from left) Syarikat Jasa Selamat Sdn Bhd owner Yew Choo Kein, association president Chee Tat Khian and Er.

Er highlighted that it was important for operators to change their lorries often as the latest designs emphasised more on safety, compared to lorries manufactured 20 years ago.

“Technology has made it possible for modern heavy vehicles to have more safety features.

“In addition, these newly-designed lorries are also more environment-friendly and comfortable,” he said.

On the two-day event, Er said it was the biggest of such shows ever held in the country. It featured 20 booths offering lorries, lorry accessories and spare parts for sale.

“We chose to hold it in Perak as there are many transport operators based here.

“There are also a lot of old lorries plying the roads in Perak and we want to encourage them to change their vehicles,” he said.