Image from The Malaysian Reserve
Several lorry drivers caught using worn-out and unsafe tyres during Ops Gempur Kenderaan Perdagangan at the Dengkil Rest Area along the Elite Expressway attempted to excuse themselves by citing “no budget” or claiming they had “overlooked” the issue. So, what should you know about it?
A stricter enforcement for offenders
According to the Road Transport Department (RTD), inspections revealed that some commercial vehicles were not only operating with tyres at risk of bursting but were also missing valid road tax and had expired insurance.
RTD senior enforcement director Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan said such negligence endangers both the drivers and other road users. He stressed that bald or damaged tyres can easily lead to accidents, and repeat offenders face strict action, including vehicle seizures.
How it is going?
Since the operation began on Sept 1, a total of 83 lorries and seven buses have been seized nationwide for serious offences. Some of these vehicles had not renewed their Motor Vehicle Licence for more than five years but were still being used on the road.
The operation also uncovered cases involving foreign drivers, some of whom were repeat offenders. Operators’ claims of high costs preventing tyre replacement were dismissed by the RTD, with Kifli stating:
“No budget is not an acceptable excuse. Every operator must ensure their vehicles are truly roadworthy before operating.”
Moreover, seized vehicles can only be reclaimed once operators settle all obligations, including valid road tax, insurance, and outstanding summonses. The RTD stressed that the enforcement effort is not meant to burden anyone but to protect lives, as unsafe vehicles pose a serious risk on public roads.
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