SIBU: Road weight limits and cross-border transport, both of which involve heavy vehicles, are among issues being dealt with by the Sarawak Ministry of Transport.
Minister Datuk Seri Lee Khim Shin who gave the assurance also highlighted the need for the industry to comply with the upcoming implementation of the speed-limiter policy.
Speaking at at the Federation of Sarawak Lorry Association’s (FSLA) 40th anniversary gathering here yesterday he said the state government attaches great importance to the development of the logistics and transportation industry.
He said FSLA, as a member of the Sarawak Public Transport Committee (SPTC) under the Ministry, has been actively collaborating with the government, providing valuable industry input and feedback to help formulate transport policies and strategies that better meet Sarawak’s practical needs.
In this context he referred to issues facing the industry regarding truck weight regulations.
He said a detailed study would be carried out to determine whether existing roads can accommodate higher-tonnage trucks in the state.
If conditions are met, the ministry will strive to adjust the road weight limits, he said, encouraging operators to raise any transportation issues with the ministry through their associations.
“We are willing to coordinate and discuss with relevant authorities to find practical solutions.
‘Addressing the truck weight issue requires a holistic and multifaceted perspective to formulate a practical strategy.”
Lee also addressed concerns over the federal government’s upcoming nationwide mandatory installation of speed limiters (SLDs) on commercial vehicles.
Truck operators, in particular, are worried about installation costs, model selection, and implementation details.
The first phase of this policy will be launched on Oct 1 this year.
“I believe the government’s ultimate goal in implementing this policy is to protect the lives of truck drivers and all road users,” he said.
“Failure to effectively control speed often leads to serious casualties and property damage in accidents,” he added, pointing out that the installation of speed limiters is therefore a necessary and responsible road safety measure.
Lee said he understood that operators may be concerned about the additional costs associated with installing the devices.
“However, in the long run, this measure will not only effectively reduce accidents and the high repair and insurance costs associated with them, but will also enhance the social image of companies and demonstrate the transport industry’s commitment to road safety and social responsibility,” he added.
Having said that Lee assured that the state will continue to coordinate closely with the Federal Ministry of Transport, the Road Transport Department (JPJ), and the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) on the implementation of the policy.
“The Sarawak government will continue to serve as a bridge, actively communicating with the federal government to reflect the actual needs and challenges of local operators, ensuring that policy formulation is more grounded and tailored to Sarawak’s unique geographical and economic environment,” he said.
Lee, meanwhile, also noted that cross-border transport issues involving freight vehicles have always been a topic of great concern.
He said while cross-border transport activities between Sarawak and neighbouring Brunei and Sabah are frequent, there are still issues that require coordination and improvement in terms of policies, enforcement standards, and customs facilitation.
To address these cross-border transport challenges, he said the ministry is actively communicating and coordinating with relevant authorities in Brunei and Sabah.
“At the end of this month, I will be leading departmental officials, along with representatives from the JPJ, the LPKP, the Immigration Department, and other relevant agencies, to Brunei for a bilateral working-level meeting (G2G meeting) with the country’s Minister of Transport.
“We will discuss in-depth cross-border transport issues, including cooperation on transport enforcement standards, vehicle access requirements, and optimised customs clearance procedures.
“In fact, at the BIMP-EAGA meeting held in Brunei last month, cross-border freight issues were included in the agenda. Relevant departments in Sarawak and Brunei reached a preliminary consensus, pledging to work together to promote smoother and more efficient cross-border logistics and transport.”
Lee said as long as all parties maintain open communication and close coordination, cross-border transport activities between Sarawak, Brunei, and Sabah will achieve greater convenience and standardisation in the future.
He believed that the transportation industry is a key driver of national economic growth.
Improving the efficiency and competitiveness of the transportation industry will effectively reduce transportation costs, thereby contributing to national economic development, he said.
Meanwhile, on another note, he said Sarawak is at a critical stage in its journey towards a green economy, digital transformation, and regional connectivity.
Stating that the transportation industry will be in future more than just about transporting goods, he said it will be a new type of logistics industry that keeps pace with the times, integrating technology and sustainable development.
In recent years, Lee said the government has been committed to upgrading Sarawak’s transportation and logistics infrastructure, including projects like the Pan-Borneo Highway, new ports, and road connections to industrial parks.
“These efforts will create a better, more efficient, and safer environment for truck transport operators.
“We are also actively promoting digitalisation and green logistics concepts, encouraging operators to move towards automation, low-carbon development, and sustainable development.
“To further enhance Sarawak’s logistics ecosystem and support sustained economic growth, the state is planning to implement the Integrated Logistics Infrastructure Development (ILID) programme.
According to Lee this programme aims not only to alleviate traffic congestion and illegal roadside parking, but more importantly, to improve road safety, optimise operational efficiency, and ensure the orderly and efficient flow of goods and people.
Among those present were Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew, Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman, Clarence Ting, FSLA president, Ling Kah Kiong and SLA chairman, Kiew Kwong Ming.
