Peak Hour Bans Puspakom Backlogs Costing Us Money Say Hauliers

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Representatives from the heavy vehicle operators’ associations at the press conference today.
KUALA LUMPUR: Heavy vehicle operators are fuming over the newly imposed peak-hour highway restrictions and backlogs at Puspakom inspection centres, saying these issues are driving up operating costs.
Association of Malaysia Hauliers (AMH) president Soo Chee Yeong questioned why heavy vehicles are being restricted from using highways during peak hours – from 6.30am to 9.30am and 4.30pm to 7.30pm – on weekdays.
“The highway system is built to support the transport industry. We know that major roads in Kuala Lumpur, like Jalan Duta, already have restrictions, yet there is traffic congestion.
“This (restriction) may not be the best solution,” he told a press conference here today.
The press conference was jointly held by AMH, the Malaysia Trucking Federation, the Malaysia Tipper Lorry Operators Association, the Malaysia Mobile Crane Owners Association, and Persatuan Usahawan Logistik Semenanjung Malaysia.
The Malaysian Highway Authority previously said the restriction, implemented from Feb 19, aims to ease traffic flow in the Klang Valley and Kuala Lumpur city centre.
The peak-hour ban applies to four highways – the North-South Expressway (NSE), the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), the North-South Expressway Central Link (Elite), and the Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE).
It affects Class 2 heavy vehicles (two axles and six wheels, excluding buses) and Class 3 heavy vehicles (three axles or more, excluding buses).
Soo said the restriction has reduced the number of trips hauliers can make, impacting their earnings.
“The cost will ultimately be passed on to consumers, which is not something we want. We hope to meet with transport minister Loke Siew Fook to find a solution,” he said.
He also warned that some drivers may resort to alternative routes through towns and school areas, which could pose safety risks.
Puspakom backlogs and supply chain concerns
On the backlog at Puspakom inspection centres, Soo said operators have been complying with the mandatory six-month checks but face long waiting times.
“If our appointment is at 8am, drivers often have to wait five to eight hours for their turn,” he said.
Malaysia Trucking Federation president Ng Koong Sinn warned that with Ramadan approaching next month, the logistics industry is under pressure to meet increased demand.
“Inspection delays and peak-hour restrictions could hurt the economy by disrupting the supply chain and delaying goods delivery,” he said.
He suggested opening up more Puspakom centres for commercial vehicles above 7,500kg and deploying mobile inspection units to reduce backlogs, especially in remote areas.
“Our industry contributes 39% to the country’s gross domestic product. Finding an amicable solution between the government and stakeholders is crucial,” he said.
He also raised concerns about the lack of designated parking areas for heavy vehicles at highway rest stops, forcing drivers to park illegally and risk fines. - FMT

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