Transport ministry considering phased introduction of speed limiters with telematics on heavy vehicles

The transport ministry is considering the phased implementation of speed limiter devices (SLDs) to be integrated with telematics systems, to improve monitoring of heavy vehicles on roads and to enhance road safety, transport minister Anthony Loke has said, reported The Star.

The transport ministry is conducting a proof of concept with public transport agencies to test the integration of SLDs with telematics systems, he said, adding that the system would allow authorities to monitor vehicle movements and driver behaviour. Data will be securely stored by the road transport department (JPJ), the transport minister said.

“This will help ensure that vehicles comply with speed limits and safety standards, and ultimately encourage more professional and cautious driving on our roads,” the transport minister told the Dewan Rakyat today, in respsonse to Tebrau MP Jimmy Puah Wee Tse who asked the ministry to state its plans for the enforcement of SLDs.

The JPJ began mandatory enforcement of SLDs in its first phase from October 1, which covered express buses, tour buses, and goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.

Compliance since the start of enforcement in October has improved from 2.68%, to 48.37% as of December 1, according to the report. So far, 307 approved installers have been registered nationwide for the installation and certification of the devices.

Integrating telematics systems with SLDs will enable authorities to track driver behaviour, monitor speed and conduct audits more effectively, said Loke. Implementation will be carried out gradually, beginning with high-risk vehicle categories.

“We want to build a system that can monitor movement and behaviour systematically, so that actions can be taken where necessary and road safety can be improved,” he said.

In June this year, Loke said that SLDs will be mandatory for all heavy vehicles in Malaysia, beginning October 1 for heavy vehicles registered after January 1, 2015. For vehicles registered before January 1, 2015, enforcement will begin from January 1, 2026, while vehicles without an SLD present will need to have the device installed by July next year.

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