A total of 247 heavy vehicle operator licences were suspended in 2024, up from 101 licence suspensions in 2023 and 94 suspensions in 2022, reported New Straits Times.
For comparison, just eight operator licences were suspended between 2019 and 2021, said transport minister Anthony Loke. The transport ministry, through the land public transport agency (APAD) had suspended 23 vehicle permits in 2024 for road safety violations, with periods of suspension of up to 90 days for serious offences, he said.
“Additionally, the ministry, through Apad, has cancelled seven operator licences between 2022 and 2024, compared to no cancellations between 2019 and 2021. Last year saw the highest number of operator licence and vehicle permit suspensions for companies that failed to pass the Industry Code of Practice for Transport Safety (ICOP) audit, resulting in accidents or violations due to non-compliance,” Loke said.
When a company’s operator licence was suspended or cancelled, all vehicles registered under that company were prohibited from operating, said the transport minister.
“One of the companies whose operator licence was suspended includes a publicly listed firm on Bursa Malaysia, which operates over 1,000 vehicles. The company was compelled to make an announcement on Bursa Malaysia regarding the suspension by Apad, as the action had serious implications on its operations,” he added.
The transport ministry will continue strict enforcement and improve road safety initiatives, which includes taking action against overloaded heavy vehicles, tightening procedures for periodic inspections, and enhancing compliance with the industry code of practice (ICOP) among industry players, Loke said.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
More suspension doesn’t mean ur doing a better job…
More suspension but still more accidents… y is it so?
Think positively. No action or action is better.
When it comes to lives… just ops and suspension is NOT enough. We depend on the authorities for enforcement and all I see is ops when someone dies. Enforcement should be visible, impactful and constant.