By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, June 19 — The preliminary investigation by the Transport Ministry (MOT) into a deadly crash involving a Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) truck and an overloaded tipper lorry has revealed alarming lapses in safety compliance.
Among the significant findings of the May 13 incident was the lorry transport company’s failure to appoint a safety coordinator, as required under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1994.
The vehicle involved was also found laden with gravel instead of coal, which was its permitted load, significantly increasing the risk of the fatal incident. These early findings have sparked public scrutiny of enforcement practices in the transport industry, especially regarding the regulation of commercial and heavy vehicles.
The tragedy also triggered renewed calls for stricter, unbiased enforcement of occupational safety regulations — not only for private operators but also for government-owned fleets.
Transport safety expert Chin Kar Keong said regulatory measures under the Occupational Safety and Health Department (DOSH) must be applied more rigorously, with no exceptions.
“Whatever the regulations and penalties, they should be strictly enforced without bias. We should stop giving discounts to those who fail to pay their summonses,” he told Media Selangor when contacted recently, adding that enforcement should not be limited to post-crash responses.
“Checks on transport operators must be conducted as preventive measures, not brought up only after crashes happen.”
Chin also said that since enforcement responsibility lies with the Human Resources Ministry and not the Transport Ministry, there is an urgent need for improved coordination among government agencies.
Chin, who is Perunding Atur Trafik Sdn Bhd managing director and founder, emphasised that government bodies should set the standard by ensuring their official vehicles undergo regular, mandatory safety inspections.
“The same DOSH regulations should be applied to those operating transport vehicles in government agencies. They should set a good example in the first place,” he said.
[caption id="attachment_400649" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Members of the Perak Fire and Rescue Department and passersby try to extract victims after a crash between an Federal Reserve Unit truck and a lorry at Jalan Chikus-Sungai Lampam, Teluk Intan, Perak on May 13, 2025. — Picture via FACEBOOK/AUNI AMEERA[/caption]
Long-term solution
In the 8.54am crash on May 13, nine FRU members were killed, while nine others were injured after the truck they were in collided with the tipper lorry.
The report also said a probe by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) was underway, with investigation papers to be submitted to the prosecution for further action.
To address long-term safety challenges, Chin shared an example of Sweden’s Vision Zero initiative, a comprehensive road safety framework that treats all crashes as preventable.
“Vision Zero is what we need in Malaysia,” he said.
Meanwhile, former DOSH director-general Omar Mat Piah said an employer’s failure to appoint a safety coordinator constitutes a serious legal violation.
“Under the latest amendments to OSHA 1994, any workplace with more than five employees is required to have an OSH coordinator. Failing to do so can result in a fine of up to RM50,000,” he said.
Omar said safety in workplaces and transport sectors must be grounded in the practical implementation of standards.
“If you’re dealing with machinery, including vehicles, then design, fabrication, inspection, and testing must follow the relevant codes, regulations, and standards,” he said.
He added that operators and drivers must be adequately trained and certified to ensure competence and accountability.
Both Chin and Omar agreed that Malaysia’s safety culture must evolve beyond box-ticking and compliance on paper.
They said real change would come with enforcement, political will, and a shift in public mindset, starting with the belief that every crash can and should be prevented.
