BY VIVYNNA ANN CHABU
THE Transport Ministry (MOTS) works closely with the Department of Road Transport (RTD) and Sarawak Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) to make sure laws are observed by all road users including companies and drivers of big trucks.
Deputy Minister of Transport, Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said Section 63(1) Weighing of Vehicle; The Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333), states that it is an offence when a vehicle carries more than the permitted load.
When convicted the offender may be fined between RM 2,000 and RM10,000, or imprisoned for a period not exceeding one year, or both.
“For the offence of carrying dangerous goods, a summons for RM300 will be issued and can add other offences such as for violating the conditions of the CVLB Sarawak,” he said.
He said this in a reply to a question by Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman (GPS-Tupong) during the question-and-answer session at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on today (May 8).
Fazzrudin had asked what are the existing measures or laws that can be used to ensure big lorries that carry soil do not threaten safety and cause damage to the areas they pass through.
In reply to a supplementary question regarding the steps taken to control the movement of big trucks to prevent damage and jeopardise road safety, Jerip said RTD and CVLB Sarawak had addressed these issues.
“CVLB Sarawak had listed several conditions that must be complied with to apply for commercial vehicle permits, such as mandatory specifications for commercial vehicles to carry loads according to the approved specifications, routes, and weight limits specified in the permit issued.
“Big trucks passing through federal roads in Sarawak also need to comply with Weight Restriction Orders set by the Public Works Department,” he said.
As such, he said the public can lodge complaints directly with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) via email at aduantrafik.sarawak@jpj.gov.my and through WhatsApp at 011 242 52754.
“Public also can contact the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) through ‘Volunteer SmartPhone (VSP), and also the Public Works Department (JKR) through their WhatApp at 011 701 71777 and 011 701 72777.
“ All of the complaints must include the picture, date and the time of incident,” said Jerip.
