KUALA LUMPUR: The authorities should take immediate action to address Malaysia’s alarming road safety issues, particularly those involving trailers, says the MCA.
Its deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said recent fatal accidents involving trailer containers highlighted mechanical factors such as overloading, structural integrity and loading practices.
“The authorities need to investigate the structure and safety features of these trailers. Many might have been modified or lack the necessary safety features to ensure secure loading,” he told a press conference at Wisma MCA here yesterday.
Mah said there were videos and documents that highlighted weight distribution and design issues with long trailer containers.
Despite public concerns and the high number of road accidents involving heavy vehicles, these trailers continue to ply the streets and highways, he added.
He proposed a ban on heavy vehicles like long-haul lorries using main roads during peak traffic hours, a similar measure introduced by the Road Transport Department in 2022.
In 2023, Malaysia recorded nearly 6,443 road fatalities, averaging 18 deaths per day.
In 2022, there was one road accident per minute, resulting in one death every 86 minutes.
“We call upon the Transport Ministry to re-examine the issue of road safety,” Mah urged.
He said a Kurnia Insurance report identified human behaviour, mechanical issues, and poor road conditions as the three key factors contributing to the high rate of accidents.
“Drivers’ behaviour was often influenced by the number of trips they made, leading to fatigue, sleepiness and carelessness,” he added.
He emphasised that road safety in Malaysia was the responsibility of multiple agencies, including the Road Transport Department, the Malaysia Institute of Road Safety and Research, and the Land Public Transport Agency.
“Each of these bodies play a crucial role across the entire spectrum of road safety,” he said.
