SIBU: The Magistrate’s Court here fined two lorry drivers RM5,500 each for exceeding the permitted weight limit while transporting concrete piles in November last year.
Magistrate Onn Kerk Chern handed down the sentence after both men, aged 44 and 55, pleaded guilty to charges under Section 19(3) of the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board Act 1987.
Kelana Lom from Dalat and Dominic Tinggom Imin from Kanowit had requested a lighter sentence, citing low income and the need to support their families in the village.
Both have since paid the fine.
According to the charge sheet, their lorries were weighed at the Road Transport Department (RTD) Stapang Enforcement Station on Nov 19 at 12.55 pm and 1.10 pm, respectively.
Kelana’s lorry carried 23,900kg, exceeding the permitted weight by 7,900kg, while Dominic’s lorry had 36,480kg, exceeding the limit by 10,480kg.
Both men were found to have violated their Carrier License conditions under Section 19(1)(b)(vi) of the Act and were charged under Section 19(3), which carries a penalty under the same section.
Sibu RTD prosecuting officer Assistant Enforcement Officer Muhammad Adib Ismail requested the court to impose a heavier fine as overloading is a common offense.
He explained that overloaded vehicles are prone to brake and technical failures, contribute to road damage, and pose safety risks to other motorists.
The excessive damage caused to highways by overloaded vehicles has forced the state government to allocate funds for road repairs.
