PETALING JAYA: Despite new restrictions on heavy vehicles during peak hours being a disadvantage to logistic companies, the body concerned says its members will abide by the new law.
Association of Malaysia Hauliers (AMH) executive secretary Mohamad Azuan Masud said the logistic industry had no choice as the new law had been gazetted and enforced.
“We will do whatever we can to adapt to the new restrictions, although we expect it to cause substantial operational and financial burden to our hauliers.
“In the first place, this new law should not have been gazetted last October before consulting the industry as we are the ones most affected by it,” he said when contacted.
Besides disrupting supply chain efficiency, Mohamad Azuan said the restrictions would likely lead to welfare issues, with heavy vehicle drivers forced to work irregular hours.
He said the restricted operating hours would also further exacerbate the driver shortage issue.
“With drivers having to make deliveries on time, it will increase their fatigue level and pose road safety risks to all.
“The vehicles may also be more susceptible to breakdowns due to longer waiting and travel times, with route diversions increasing fuel consumption as well as vehicle wear and tear,” he said.
Mohamad Azuan said AMH would engage with the Transport Ministry to re-evaluate the new restriction and at the very least, introduce some mitigation measures for the logistic industry.
“Even if we cannot get the law removed, at the very least we are hoping the current three-hour restriction period during the morning and evening peak hours can be reduced as it essentially wastes six working hours daily for heavy vehicle drivers.
“We welcome further discussions with the minister to find a solution that addresses traffic congestion while ensuring the sustainability of the logistics sector,” he added.
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