SLTA: Review Weight Restriction Order to support Sarawak lorry operators

KUCHING (Feb 8): The Sarawak Lorries Transport Association (SLTA) has called upon the federal government to take into account various operational challenges faced by the industry before implementing policies across the board.

SLTA president Jong Boon Khong said the Weight Restriction Order (WRO) enforced by the federal Ministry of Transport ought to be reviewed to accommodate the challenges faced by operators in Sarawak.

He added that the industry would also appreciate the federal ministry reviewing transportation fees.

“Transportation is the backbone of economy, playing a vital role in the supply chain. Only through close collaboration between the government and the stakeholders can we continue seeing further development in the industry,” he said during SLTA’s 42nd anniversary cum pre-Spring Festival dinner held at SJKC Chung Hua No.3 here on Saturday.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian graced the celebration, which also saw the installation of SLTA’s 21st committee line-up. Also present was Malaysia Trucking Federation president Datuk Ng Koong Sinn.

Jong said lorry operators in the state had faced various tough challenges in the past year. He pointed out that SLTA remains supportive of government policies which promote safety for all.

“While we are in favour of policies that enhance safety, we also hope that enforcement officers will be impartial when discharging their duties,” he said.

For the betterment of the industry, he said SLTA will continue to play its role as a bridge between the government and industry players.

“We will proactively cooperate with the government in terms of policy implementation, but at the same time, we will bring up matters that concern our lorry operators,” he added.