Mandatory speed limit devices for heavy vehicles, buses to cap speed at 90km/h from Oct 1

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, June 13: The Ministry of Transport Malaysia will begin phased enforcement of mandatory Speed Limitation Devices (SLDs) on Oct 1, 2025, requiring commercial vehicles over 3,500kg—including express and tour buses—to be capped at a maximum speed of 90km/h.

In a Bernama news report, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that the Road Transport Department (RTD) will spearhead the enforcement as part of the ministry’s wider initiative to improve road safety and reduce fatal accidents involving large vehicles.

In the first phase, the requirement will apply to express and tour buses, as well as heavy goods vehicles with a maximum permissible weight exceeding 3,500 kilogrammes, registered on or after Jan 1, 2015.

“Operators must obtain a functional verification and SLD report from the vehicle manufacturer or a party recognised by RTD, such as technical service providers, authorised workshops, service facilities, or certification bodies accredited by the Department of Standards Malaysia,” he said during a press conference after a Scania Safety Technologies event in Shah Alam today.

He added that the SLD verification documents must be renewed every two years and submitted to both Puspakom during inspections and the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) for permit applications or renewals. A copy of the verification document must also be kept in the vehicle at all times for enforcement checks.

Loke further announced that starting Jan 1, 2026, all heavy goods vehicles exceeding 3,500kg and passenger vehicles carrying more than eight people—registered before Jan 1, 2015—must have the SLD function activated through their Electronic Control Unit (ECU).

The same requirement will apply to rebuilt vehicles and imported used vehicles above the 3,500kg threshold.

“For those without a factory-installed SLD, it will be mandatory to install an RTD-approved retrofit device beginning July 1, 2026.

“This enforcement is a crucial step to ensure that commercial vehicles comply with essential safety standards and to reduce the risk of road accidents that result in loss of life and property,” he said.

Loke emphasised that all affected buses and heavy vehicles will be restricted to a top speed of 90km/h, regardless of higher posted limits in certain areas.

“Even on highways with speed limits of up to 110km/h, vehicles equipped with SLDs will be capped at 90km/h. This speed cap will be strictly enforced,” he stated.

To support implementation, the RTD will soon hold a meeting with all major vehicle manufacturers and accredited certification bodies.

“Details of the enforcement mechanism and the list of approved companies and certifying bodies authorised to verify SLDs will be published on the RTD’s website in due course,” he added. — DayakDaily

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