KUALA LUMPUR: Strict monitoring and inspection of heavy commercial vehicles are needed to prevent future road mishaps, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The Road Safety Council member said such efforts will ensure vehicles meet the necessary requirements to be roadworthy.
"Heavy vehicles have contributed to various serious road accidents in the country. I think authorities need to really review and reassess whether enforcement efforts that have been taken are effective or otherwise.
"Relevant authorities should impose strict monitoring and inspection of heavy vehicles," he said when contacted on Wednesday (Dec 25).
He was commenting on the recent accident at KM204 of the North-South Expressway (PLUS), which killed seven individuals and injured 33 others.
"Preliminary investigation revealed that the crash occurred when a tyre detached from a trailer truck causing a tour bus to hit it and to collide with three vehicles travelling in the opposite direction," he said.
Lee called on the authorities such as Puspakom to double its efforts in ensuring that safety checks on all vehicles are not only carried out but are monitored frequently to ensure that they comply with all the requirements.
"Furthermore, I think maybe it's time for the government to consider more regular inspections of heavy vehicles.
"Instead of once a year, such inspections could be conducted twice yearly to ensure that these vehicles are safe when they are on the roads," he added.
At the same time, enforcement efforts against heavy commercial vehicles should be intensified to ensure compliance with all safety standards, Lee said.
"I feel that agencies such as the Road Transport Department should enforce such stringent and integrated measures to guarantee the safety of road users," he added.
