KUALA LUMPUR: Lorry operators have welcomed the proposal to require periodic vehicle maintenance records for diesel subsidy approval.
Malaysia Tipper Lorry Operators Association secretary-general Tan Boon Hing said the initiative was crucial to ensure commercial vehicles were roadworthy and operators adhered to safety protocols, citing the alarming number of lorries that skip Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspakom) checks or operate without a valid road tax.
He said enforcing maintenance record requirements would compel company owners to ensure their vehicles were safe, ultimately reducing accidents and improving public safety.
"For lorries that do not undergo Puspakom inspections or lack road tax, withdrawing diesel subsidies is appropriate," said Tan.
"Such lorries often have discrepancies in engine or chassis numbers.
"If a lorry is without road tax, it usually has unresolved summonses or other issues."
Under the Road Transport Act 1987, all commercial vehicles are required to undergo routine inspections at Puspakom every six months.
This aligns with the government's efforts to implement targeted diesel subsidies, such as the Subsidised Diesel Control System 2.0, which provides fleet cards to eligible logistics vehicles to mitigate the impact of diesel prices on consumer goods.
Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Lorry Operators Association secretary-general Alvin Choong said the government must have a clear execution plan if such measures were to be implemented.
He said without proper planning, overcrowding at Puspakom inspection facilities could undermine the initiative's objective.
"The idea of requiring periodic vehicle maintenance records for diesel subsidy approval is a good one, as it ensures lorry operators adhere to safety standards set by the government," said Choong.
"However, the government must ensure that measures are in place to implement this in stages, allowing Puspakom facilities to accommodate a large number of vehicles.
"Without this preparation, the process could become chaotic, making it difficult for the government to enforce and achieve the intended goals effectively."
Choong added that it was time the government ensured all commercial vehicles undergo regular inspections to prevent unnecessary accidents.
"The government must no longer overlook this issue. There have been too many accidents caused by negligence and improper inspections.
"This cannot be allowed to continue. It is time to take action and revoke the diesel subsidy for those who fail to comply."