The Transport Ministry’s recent announcement to enforce the prohibition of heavy vehicles, specifically lorries and buses from using the right lane on highways is a positive step towards addressing road safety and traffic violations caused by such vehicles.
However, while the regulatory changes are commendable, the focus must now shift to implementation – particularly stricter enforcement, which has long been a major issue.
Many believe that the lack of strict enforcement of traffic laws, especially those concerning heavy vehicles, has been a persistent problem in Malaysia. The rule prohibiting heavy vehicles from the right lane was gazetted in 2015, yet it has not been actively enforced. As a result, violations continue, frustrating road users and highlighting a major gap in the enforcement process – where regulations exist on paper but are not properly implemented.
For these new regulations to make a meaningful impact, enforcement must be consistent and visible. Agencies such as the Road Transport Department (RTD) must ensure strict adherence to traffic laws, particularly for commercial vehicles, which pose greater risks due to their size, weight, and speed.
Simply having rules in place without active monitoring will likely lead to continued non-compliance, as heavy vehicle drivers may feel they can bypass regulations without facing significant consequences.
The introduction of automated enforcement measures such as additional AES cameras and high-speed weigh-in-motion (HS-WIM) detectors is a step in the right direction. These technologies enable real-time monitoring, detecting speed violations, weight discrepancies, and lane misuse.
GPS tracking devices on commercial vehicles can further enhance enforcement by allowing authorities to pinpoint violators’ exact locations, making it easier to impose fines. However, technology alone is not enough. Physical enforcement through routine patrols by RTD officers must complement these efforts to ensure compliance.
Heavy vehicles have long been a concern for road safety in Malaysia. Their size and speed make them hazardous, particularly when they engage in reckless behaviours such as overtaking without signalling, speeding, or blocking lanes meant for faster-moving traffic.
These risks are further exacerbated when smaller vehicle drivers, attempting to overtake, are forced into unsafe manoeuvres due to the unpredictable movements of commercial vehicles.
The right lane on highways is meant for overtaking. Heavy vehicles travelling in this lane without overtaking create unnecessary congestion and force other drivers to take evasive action, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
By strictly enforcing the rule prohibiting heavy vehicles from using the right lane, the Transport Ministry aims to reduce congestion, minimise accident risks, and enhance overall traffic flow.
The mandatory installation of speed control devices on commercial vehicles will further improve road safety by ensuring they do not exceed speed limits. Additionally, real-time data from GPS tracking will allow authorities to swiftly intervene in cases of violations, preventing potential accidents.
A major challenge in enforcing traffic laws is the public’s perception of RTD’s effectiveness. Many road users, especially frequent highway travellers, have pointed out that RTD patrol vehicles are rarely seen monitoring traffic or pulling over violators, particularly heavy vehicles.
This lack of visible enforcement has created a sense of impunity among commercial vehicle drivers, who may feel emboldened to disregard traffic laws without facing serious repercussions.
The apparent inconsistency in enforcement further fuels public frustration. While traffic police occasionally conduct roadblocks and monitor traffic, violations by heavy vehicles are often overlooked. This has led to the perception that enforcement is neither stringent nor effective enough to curb widespread non-compliance.
To address this issue, the RTD must increase its presence on highways through frequent patrols, better coordination with other enforcement agencies, and strategic placement of officers at critical locations.
Public awareness campaigns should also highlight the consequences of violating traffic laws, particularly the newly enforced regulations. These efforts could serve as a deterrent to potential offenders.
Effective enforcement must be accompanied by harsher penalties for violations. Hefty fines, licence suspensions, and even vehicle impoundment for repeat offenders could serve as stronger deterrents.
By ensuring consistent and strict penalties, the RTD can send a clear message that violations will no longer be tolerated.
For the enforcement of these regulations to be effective, the government must prioritise adequate funding for the RTD. This funding is crucial for personnel recruitment, training, and acquiring the necessary equipment to ensure efficient enforcement.
One of the primary challenges faced by the department is the shortage of officers to monitor traffic, conduct routine patrols, and manage enforcement efforts effectively.
With the increasing number of vehicles on the road, particularly heavy commercial vehicles, there is a clear need for more trained personnel to handle the growing volume of traffic violations.
Funding should be allocated for recruitment and training, patrol vehicles and equipment, expansion of automated enforcement systems, improved logistics and operational expenses, and public awareness campaigns.
More officers must be trained in the latest regulations, advanced monitoring technologies, and handling non-compliant drivers professionally. Additional patrol vehicles are essential for visible enforcement, equipped with modern technology such as body cameras, communication systems, and GPS tracking. AES cameras and HS-WIM detectors should be integrated into RTD’s daily operations, with real-time data sharing to assist enforcement teams.
Regular maintenance of patrol vehicles, fuel costs, and operational expenses must be covered to ensure continuous enforcement. Officers should also be provided with the necessary safety gear and proper rest facilities during long shifts.
Public awareness campaigns could include advertisements on television, radio, and social media, as well as educational programmes targeting commercial vehicle operators. These efforts can encourage compliance and make enforcement more effective.
It is also essential that the government enhances the enforcement process itself by developing a more robust legal framework for imposing penalties. Hefty fines, licence suspensions, and impounding vehicles for repeat offenders would send a strong message that violations will not be tolerated.
Only with consistent, visible enforcement and strategic use of technology, coupled with sufficient funding, can Malaysia improve road safety and achieve better traffic flow on its highways.
The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent that of Twentytwo13.
