SERDANG: The Malaysia Tipper Lorry Operators' Association has called out to the public to not point fingers at lorry drivers whenever an accident happen.
Its chairman Datuk Michael Loo Leep Chye said this is because many issues involving operators and lorry drivers were believed to be caused by confusing guidelines and laws pertaining to loaded weight (BDM) and unladen weight (BTM).
He added that arrests made by enforcement agencies every time an accident occurs also does not benefit any parties.
"Everything has its pros and cons, don't only blame lorry drivers as we are not robbers or gangsters. (But) if some operators or drivers are greedy (in having excess BDM), then we fully support their arrest.
"However, please don't just blame the drivers and have the enforcement make an arrest a month later just to cool situation off.
"This is a short-term solution and it does not benefit any party," he said at a press conference here today.
He added that some companies are also stuck between rising operational costs and pressure from greedy customers, forcing them to hire anyone interested in being a driver.
"We know that highways aren't owned by lorries, we need to take care of everyone's safety so we hope that the government will issue a new standard operating procedure (SOP) because the existing one is outdated.
"They need to study again and gather experts. In fact, we are also ready to give our views. We don't want situations where an accident occurs, then arrests are made and inspections are done but there is no solution to it.
"Even If they arrest the driver today, the lorry must still be operational tomorrow as they need to find the money to pay the monthly payments. And even if the BDM rules aren't followed, our lorries will still not be able to make a profit," he said.
Loo also urged relevant ministries and authorities to sit down and hold a discussion to find the best solution to solve the problems that have plagued the drivers for decades.
He added that every time he asked for a discussion, various reasons were given by the authorities which left the lorry operators at their wit's end.
"Why don't we look for a solution, not just make arrests and then keep quiet when there's a problem? If there is a clear law, we will tell our members all over Malaysia to obey.
"We can tolerate, but the law needs to be practical. And if there are greedy entrepreneurs (who carry excess cargo) or corrupt, please take action," he said.