BAU: Sarawak Ministry of Transport will be working together with the 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) truck drivers on ways to recognise the license and certification of off-road 4WD drivers.
Its Deputy Minister, Datuk Henry Harry Jinep said at the moment, there was no legitimate policy for these drivers.
“Just like other vehicles, I urge every one of you to work with us, so that we can bring this up to the government on the recognition of off-road 4X4 vehicles, especially in terms of the license and the permit,” he said.
He said this in his speech when officiating at the opening of the Sarawak 4X4 Training Academy Sar4Trac at Singai, Bau today.
Henry added that since the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between 17 drivers from Southeast Asia countries had been signed, it was a perfect time for the initiative to be brought to the attention of the state government.
“The license, the permit and your experience and expertise as the 4X4 is very important so that we can prepare classes for all the drivers,” he said.
He also said that however, one of the most important aspects to consider when it comes to the preparing of the policy is the safety of 4WD vehicles and their owners.
“Safety is important, and we are talking about the safety of the driver, the safety of the vehicle, and whether or not it is worthwhile for the vehicle to be on the road.
“If you do not reach certain level of safety, it would endanger not only the drivers, but also the passengers, after all we usually do not drive the vehicle all by ourselves, we have other people with us,” he said.
Henry then stated that the main goal for safety training was to reduce as much as possible the risk of accidents and mishaps, thereby reducing losses due to injury and equipment damage, and subsequent loss of time and economic productivity.
“Training with experienced and certified instructors to get the basic rights in the first place is the better way to acquire these essential living skills,” he added.
