SUNGAI BESAR: The government has stipulated that all lorries including containers in the country to only use SIRIM standard reflectors from July 1.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said several heavy vehicles were found installed with poor quality reflectors which did not reflect light effectively.
However, he said the installation of SIRIM standard reflector would be enforced on new lorries or lorries due for Puspakom inspection.
He said the Road Transport Department (RTD) and Puspakom had also been directed to inspect lorries on the requirement in their operations.
“The measure was to improve the safety level for other drivers as these heavy vehicles could easily be seen when lorries stalled by the roadside at night.
“We are giving early notice to lorry owners as those who have yet to install SIRIM standard reflectors will be fined RM300,” he told reporters after opening RTD One Programme One Community at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Seri Makmur, here today.
In this regard, Liow said 115 residents aged 45 and above in Sabak Bernam today received their B2 class driving licences under MyLesen programme initiated by RTD.
He said the programme had given licences to 10,000 individuals natiowide to ensure all residents could ride motorcycles even in villages according to the conditions set by the enforcement agency.
“The programme today is specially for indivuals aged 45 and above including senior citizens by offering B2 class licence for a fee of RM150 after attending a three-month course organised by RTD,” he said.
In another development, Liow said the ministry would be proposing to the Cabinet to increase the weight load of lorries on the road to reduce the trip cost of heavy vehicles.
He said the proposal was reached in discussion between RTD and the Works Department (JKR).
Liow said the increase in weight load was made in view of the condition of roads in the country apart from benefitting the people with lower transport cost of goods. --BERNAMA