Govt to enforce mandatory speed-limit devices for commercial vehicles from Oct 1

SHAH ALAM, June 13 — The Transport Ministry will begin phased enforcement of mandatory speed limitation devices (SLD) for commercial vehicles, including express and tour buses, from October 1.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the enforcement by the Road Transport Department (JKR) is part of the ministry’s broader initiative to enhance road safety and reduce the risk of fatal accidents.

The phased implementation will initially apply to all express and tour buses, as well as heavy goods vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes in maximum permissible weight, registered from January 1, 2015, onwards.

“Operators are required to obtain a functional verification and SLD report from the vehicle manufacturer or any party recognised by the JKR, including technical services, authorised workshops or service facilities, or certification bodies accredited by the Standards Department,” he said.

The SLD verification documents and reports must be renewed biennially and presented at the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspakom), as well as during permit applications or renewals with the Land Public Transport Agency, he added.

Speaking at a press conference following the launch of the SLD implementation for commercial vehicles today, he said the verification documents must be kept in the vehicle at all times for enforcement purposes.

Loke said the activation of the SLD function within the Electronic Control Unit will be mandatory from January 1, 2026, for heavy goods vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes and vehicles carrying more than eight passengers that were registered before January 1, 2015.

He added that the requirement will also apply to rebuilt vehicles and imported used goods vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes in maximum permissible weight.

He said that for heavy goods vehicles above 3.5 tonnes and vehicles carrying more than eight passengers that are not equipped with an SLD system, it will be mandatory to install an JKR-approved retrofit SLD device, effective July 1, 2026.

“This enforcement is a crucial step to ensure that commercial vehicles comply with critical safety standards, thereby reducing the risk of road accidents involving loss of life and property,” Loke emphasised.

He pointed out that all buses and heavy vehicles will be subject to a maximum speed limit of 90kph through the mandatory installation of the SLD.

“This device will cap the speed of buses and heavy vehicles at 90kph. However, drivers must still adhere to speed limits applicable in specific areas,” he explained.

“Even on highways where the speed limit is up to 110kph, vehicles equipped with the SLD will be restricted to 90kph. This will be enforced consistently,” he said.

Loke also announced that the JKR will convene a meeting soon with all major vehicle manufacturers and accredited certification bodies regarding the enforcement of the SLD.

“There will be further details on the implementation mechanism, and the list of approved companies and certifying bodies authorised to verify SLDs will be published on the JKR website soon,” he added.

— Bernama