KUALA LUMPUR: The government has banned foreigners from driving trailer lorries in the country in a move aimed at enhancing road safety, says Malaysian Road and Transportation Safety Association (MRTSA) chairman Nik Salim Nik Salleh.
He said the decision was made because foreigners did not receive appropriate training or early exposure about Malaysia's road safety legislation.
Based on the current road accident statistics, he proposed that the government intensify its efforts to deal with problems related to road safety, especially those involving locals.
"The MRTSA supports the government's stance on this matter because it (allowing foreigners to drive) will create additional risks to road safety in the country.
"Allowing foreigners to drive trailer lorries or any commercial vehicles will also affect job opportunities for locals in the sector," he told Bernama here on Monday (April 17).
Alliance for Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said he believed that road accidents, especially involving heavy vehicles, could be reduced if safety aspects are observed by all parties.
He said this could be achieved by ensuring all trailer lorry drivers are equipped with good driving skills through continuous training given by their employers.
"Among the causes of accidents involving trailer lorries are the drivers' bullying behaviour and dangerous driving attitude, low level of road safety awareness and carrying excessive loads," he said.
On April 11, Transport Minister Anthony Loke was quoted as saying that foreigners are not allowed to drive trailer lorries despite pressure from the industry to overcome the shortage of drivers.
Citing data on the country's haulage for 2022, Loke said there are 766 haulage companies with 16,465 prime movers and 61,616 trailers, and a total of 12,326 drivers. – Bernama
