Kuching: The Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board (LPKP) Sarawak is taking proactive steps to address the long-standing issue of overloading among commercial vehicles – a practice that has contributed to road damage and posed significant safety risks to other road users.
Even Transport Minister Anthony Loke emphasised the Ministry’s focus on tackling the problem nationwide, urging stronger enforcement and better coordination among agencies.
LPKP Sarawak Chairman Michael Kong Feng Nian said that since his appointment, he has been actively engaging with industry players and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) Sarawak to better understand the challenges faced by transport operators regarding weight restrictions.
“From our studies and accident data, we found that serious accidents and road damages are often caused by vehicles that are overloaded beyond the weight limitations of the respective roads,” Michael Kong explained.
“Such levels of overloading not only endanger lives but also shorten the lifespan of our roads and bridges.”
He noted that while enforcement remains critical, there is also a need to ensure that existing weight limits reflect current road capabilities.
“We understand that the weight restrictions imposed on many roads in Sarawak are currently below their full capacity. That is why LPKP Sarawak has been working closely with JPJ Sarawak and JKR Sarawak to review and increase permissible vehicle weight limits in tandem with Sarawak’s improving road infrastructure, such as the Pan Borneo Highway, which is a Grade 1 road,” he said.
Michael Kong stressed that any review or adjustment of weight limits must follow a structured and regulated process.
“It is crucial to draw a clear distinction between increasing permissible weight limits through proper regulatory review and being overweight in violation of those limits.
“The former is a structured process involving consultation with relevant authorities and supported by engineering assessments. The latter remains a clear offence under the law,” he added.
Earlier, JPJ Sarawak, LPKP Sarawak, and industry representatives met to discuss the ongoing review and enforcement efforts.
The meeting reaffirmed that all operators must strictly comply with the permissible weight limits stated in their vehicle registration certificates.
At the same time, LPKP Sarawak is moving to formalise a new framework to support industry compliance and operational efficiency.
“We are working towards finalising procedures for operators to apply for permissible weight limit increases, where appropriate, based on the type of road and vehicle specifications.
“We must move forward together to ensure that the industry can operate efficiently while upholding the highest standards of safety and compliance,” Michael Kong said.
