SCCCI to submit lorry operators’ feedback on Speed Limitation Devices to Sarawak Transport Ministry

SIBU (Jan 9): The Sibu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) will compile and submit feedback from owners of heavy commercial vehicles to the Sarawak Transport Ministry (MoT) following a dialogue on the enforcement of Speed Limitation Devices (SLD).

SCCCI Secretary General Kong Hian Khim said the session, attended by about 70 lorry operators, vehicle owners, association representatives, and community leaders, revealed widespread concerns over the necessity, cost, and practicality of SLDs under Sarawak’s specific conditions.

“Most of the participants expressed the view that SLD is not necessary, especially for vehicles operating mainly within town areas where speeds are already low,” Kong told reporters after the dialogue held at the SCCCI meeting room.

He noted that several lorry operators argued fully laden heavy vehicles are often incapable of reaching high speeds, rendering the devices ineffective.

“Some asked what the point is of installing SLD when a fully loaded lorry cannot even reach 70 or 90 kilometres per hour,” he said, clarifying that these were participants’ views and not SCCCI’s official stance.

Road infrastructure emerged as another key issue.

Kong said there was a strong hope that SLD enforcement would not apply in Sarawak, where road conditions differ significantly from the better-developed networks in Peninsular Malaysia.

Safety concerns were also raised, particularly regarding overtaking.

Participants feared that once a vehicle hits its SLD-capped speed, it could create traffic queues by preventing following vehicles from passing, increasing congestion and risk.

If implementation proceeds, operators appealed for exemptions for older vehicles manufactured before 2015 – though Kong acknowledged it is unclear whether authorities would accept such a proposal.

However, cost was highlighted as the most pressing obstacle.

“For older vehicles that require mechanical installation, the cost can reach more than RM2,500 per vehicle, with only a one-year warranty,” Kong said, while pointing out that operators are to bear repeat costs if the device fails.

Even for post-2015 vehicles, he said fitting fees could still reach around RM1,000 each.

“Imagine operators with 20, 30 or even 40 lorries. This is not a one-time cost as it has to be done every two years,” he explained.

Consequently, most participants agreed that government subsidy would be essential if SLD installation becomes unavoidable.

“The main concern is still subsidy. If the government can subsidise the installation cost, it would certainly help,” he said, adding that this reflected his personal view as well.

Responding to worries about limited authorised workshops, Kong clarified that the SLD installation is not monopolised; any workshop meeting requirements set by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) or MoT may apply for approval.

The dialogue was initiated after the issue was raised by a local community leader.

Kong said SCCCI will prepare a formal submission based on the feedback for the Sarawak MoT’s consideration.

“We will write in and see what the ministry can do,” he said, noting that similar concerns have previously been voiced by the Sarawak Lorry Association.