By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 9: The works and transport ministries have agreed to establish a joint task force to enable comprehensive discussions on Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) matters, including issues relating to the Weight Restriction Order (WRO) and the increasing use of axles.
In a Facebook post, Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi said this followed a coordination meeting between both ministries, which he co-chaired with federal Transport Minister Anthony Loke to discuss issues related to the GVW of vehicles on federal roads at the Ministry of Transport in Putrajaya on Monday (Dec 8).
Nanta, who is also Kapit MP, said that the close cooperation is vital in finding solutions to the issue, which affects various stakeholders and aspects, particularly ensuring the safety of road users and the durability of the nation’s infrastructure.
He added that the matter requires thorough study so that every decision is based on strong technical and engineering information while taking into account the interests of all parties involved.
“If there is a special need for vehicles to exceed the weight limits set under the gazetted Weight Restriction Order P.U.(A) 277/2018, or exceed the weight limit for 7-axle articulated vehicles (53 tonnes), the industry may consider using multi-axle trailers as provided under P.U.(A) 199/1991, which stipulates that the maximum axle load must not exceed 10 tonnes per axle with specified axle spacing, without restrictions on the overall GVW,” he said.
At the same time, Nanta also stressed that overloading not only endangers lives but also increases maintenance costs due to road damage occurring earlier than expected.
“May this strategic cooperation ensure that public safety, the sustainability of our road infrastructure, and the advancement of our national industries continue to progress in line with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani,” he said. — DayakDaily
