GEORGE TOWN: The government is once again being urged to ban heavy vehicles from roads during peak hours following the tragic death of 21-year-old Lee Zi Rou, who was killed instantly when a container from a lorry toppled onto her car in Bukit Tengah, Bukit Mertajam, on Wednesday (Nov 13).
Penang MCA chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng said Lee’s death, which occurred while she was on her way to work, serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stricter road safety laws.
"The fact that such an incident happened raises the question: how was this allowed to occur?" Tan said.
"It underscores not only the dangers posed by heavy vehicles on the road but also the wider issue of road safety in Penang and across the country."
Tan highlighted that in 2022, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) introduced a ban on goods vehicles weighing over 7,500kg from entering main roads into Kuala Lumpur’s city centre during peak hours.
While this measure was intended to ease traffic congestion, it also played a crucial role in enhancing road safety.
"It is time for this measure to be implemented nationwide," Tan said in a statement on Thursday (Nov 14).
Tan, who is also an MCA vice-president, emphasised that the call for change is not new but has become increasingly urgent.
"The recent tragedy in Penang illustrates the necessity of imposing similar restrictions across the country," he added.
He recalled that in August this year, the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) had called on JPJ to introduce a ban on heavy vehicles on the island, noting that no such restrictions currently exist.
"This ban is not merely a traffic management strategy but a matter of public safety.
“Heavy goods vehicles pose significant dangers to pedestrians and other road users due to their size, weight, and the drivers' often-limited visibility.
“By restricting their movements during peak hours, we can greatly reduce the risk of accidents like the one that claimed Lee’s life," Tan said.
On Wednesday (Nov 13), Lee was waiting at the Jalan Kebun Sireh-Jalan Bukit Tengah traffic lights when the lorry, approaching from the opposite direction, made a sharp left turn.
This reportedly caused the container it was carrying to become unbalanced, detach, and crush Lee's car during the 9.15am incident.
Lee, who was alone in the vehicle on her way to work, was killed in the accident.
The 51-year-old lorry driver has been remanded for further investigation under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
