Overloaded Lorries Loke Puts Foot Down As Truckers Mps Rev Their Engines

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PARLIAMENT | Transport Minister Anthony Loke has affirmed that Putrajaya will proceed with its crackdown on overloaded lorries, despite “pressure” and “threats” aimed at softening the ministry’s approach.
Addressing the Dewan Rakyat today, Loke (Harapan-Seremban) slammed lawmakers, including backbenchers, who had raised concerns on the ministry’s enforcement actions, accusing such parliamentarians of “acting as spokespersons” for lorries carrying excessive loads.
“This is not a political issue - this is a safety issue (that involves) human lives. This is not about dollars and cents,” an evidently vexed Loke said.
“Some MPs are asking for a ‘soft-landing’ (and) a transition period - let me ask the MPs who say that: when it comes to accidents, is there such a thing as a soft-landing? Is there a transition?
ADS“If we give a transition period now, if we offer a soft landing now, which MP can guarantee that during that period, no accidents will happen? Please stand up if you can,” the minister said during his winding-up speech for the Supply Bill 2026 at the committee stage.
No compromise
Amid rounds of applause from other MPs in the lower House, Loke vowed that he would not “compromise” or “negotiate” on the ministry’s efforts to combat the issue, despite mounting pressure from various quarters.
A firm stance on the matter, he argued, is vital as he had witnessed how similar initiatives in the past had failed to provide any resolutions, as transport ministers then would make U-turns and cave to pressure.
“This is a legacy issue that no transport minister has dared to take on for decades, so I hope backbenchers understand that firmness is necessary. If I go soft, nothing gets solved,” he said.
“Only with firmness and strong political will can we tackle this issue. Without strong political will, if there’s pressure from members and the minister makes a U-turn? It’s over, and those outside will be celebrating.
“Yes, there are threats. A protest is planned in front of Parliament on Wednesday, but if we bow to such threats, we might as well not govern,” Loke affirmed.
Sufficient time to adjust?
During debates earlier, PKR MP Lee Chean Chung (Harapan-Petaling Jaya) had questioned the Transport Ministry on what “soft-landing measures” can be implemented so that the impact of crackdowns on overloaded lorries will be easier for the industry and the public to absorb.
He said this while referencing concerns over a potential hike in construction costs as well as the prices of houses and buildings, saying: “The rise in logistics costs will push up business costs, inflation rates, and also contribute to traffic congestion.”
Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean ChungExpressing similar sentiments, DAP MP V Ganabatirau (Harapan-Klang) had urged lorry operators to be given sufficient time and appropriate financial support to adjust to the “new rules.”
In his speech, Loke highlighted that the “so-called ‘new regulations’” are not new laws, as while lorry operators are well aware of their load limits, they have been flouting such legal stipulations for an extended period of time.
ADS“This has been a phenomenon in our country for decades. Overloading is not new. MPs should not speak as though we are introducing new policies or new rules.
“I am simply enforcing the existing regulations and laws that have been violated by operators for decades,” Loke said, assuring, however, that the government is not seeking to “victimise” lorry drivers.
Noting that the ministry intends to tackle issues presented by “big companies” that impose low rental rates and low pay on smaller lorry drivers and operators, the minister said he had raised the matter during an earlier cabinet meeting.
“If any industry tries to raise prices unreasonably, action will be taken. But, in terms of rentals or rates paid to operators, there must be adjustments, as all this time, the ones suffering are the small operators and the drivers.
“When I enforce strict rules, big companies and industries must adjust their rates and pay drivers properly,” Loke said.
He emphasised that if small operators are forced to overload their lorries, damages are sustained not only from a safety standpoint, but the lorries will also be damaged faster, with accidents and potholes being other concerns to be considered.
“In the long run, the benefits to the country are huge. Lorry drivers will be calmer as they don’t have to fear enforcement every day.
“I know people used to say they were forced to pay bribes every month to avoid being penalised for overloading, so if everyone cooperates and stops overloading, there’s no need for bribery,” he added. - Mkini

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