PKR queries decision to ban lorries with drawer

Kota Kinabalu: PKR Inanam Assemblyman Dr Roland Chia has questioned the Road and Transport Department's (RTD) decision to disallow the usage of lorries with drawer (including existing), effective June 2014. "The allowance of such usage was implemented way back in 1998.

The reason for such an about-turn decision is subjective.

The RTD must produce statistics on the hazards of such vehicles on the roads before making the decision.

"The RTD should engage with all vehicle operators before making a unilateral decision on banning the usage of drawers on vehicles in Sabah," he said in a statement, Sunday.

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He therefore urged the RTD to immediately hold a dialogue with the stakeholders such as the Association of Lorry Operators, Association of Transporters, Association of Motor and NGO Consumer bodies to resolve this issue.

Chia said he received many calls from lorry operators who hold proper approval and documentation and are presently in a predicament due to the ruling.

"Many of them relied on existing vehicles for their business activities and by disallowing the usage will cause them difficulties to service their loans and burden them to buy new lorries and vehicles.

"In addition, some of the vehicle owners have problems having their new lorries released with proper approval by LPKP and RTD because of this sudden new ruling. Many of them have paid their deposits but are unable to have their vehicles on the road due to the ruling."

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Chia also questioned the jurisdiction of peninsula-based SPAD (Land Public Transport Commission) on this matter because the jurisdiction on regulating such vehicles falls under the purview of Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board (CVLB), which is the primary body regulating licensing in the State.

"Has the RTD engaged with CVLB with regards to this pertinent matter?" he asked. On the other hand, Chia agreed with the increased enforcement by the RTD on long vehicles plying the main roads to ensure road and public safety.

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